73

Most Expensive

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Exquisite Watches Ever

A Unique Compilation of Watches - $1 Million & Above

Haute Horlogerie Art of Fine Watchmaking

Fine watches are the ultimate object of desire. They are no longer seen as mere collectables, but considered as beautiful objects that appeal to collectors and are today recognized as works of art. Haute is French for high and haute horlogerie is watchmaking in its highest form. Master watchmakers have never ceased to inspire and initiate progress. Until very recently, the watches they created for land, air and sea were synonymous with innovation, as the rise of watchmaking coincided with developments in science, industry and trade. Todays Haute Horlogerie professionals have risen to the modern-day challenge while perpetuating the ancestral union of expertise and art. Fusions of technical innovation and artistic creation, technical and jeweler watches alike reflect the tastes, culture, personality and status of those who wear them. Spanning passion, art and technical excellence fine watchmaking brings a little extra soul to our contemporary world. It embodies a culture that is the stuff of our dreams. Conceptualized by the idea to 'blend art into a timepiece' to be worn on the wrist. The watchmaker obeying the artist's whim, with emotion, creativity and intuition, fuelling the whole concept. Imagination running wild leads the artist and the watchmaker to follow his own self inspiring thoughts initiated by art. The approach is based upon exquisite know-how and expertise of craftsmen and watchmakers, collected over centuries. Technical and precious fine watchmaking draws its legitimacy from expertise and innovation. Fine watchmaking's values of creativity, culture and tradition are to strengthen and develop this proud inheritance.

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When sanctified traditions of fine craftsmanship encounter the bold novelty of contemporary art and where the creative talent of the artist forges with the watchmaker's dexterity to craft a unique masterpiece, a matchless work of art is magically born. 'An Exceptional Timepiece'. The watchmaker's own creative vision and artistic touch, exploring different media and means creates an incomparable works of art. As a boundless expression of the intricate precision that watchmaking commands, the timepieces created turn into true works of art reigning supreme on the wrist of the aesthete, the enthusiast or the collector. Modern haute horlogerie is hard to describe, but youll know it when you see it. The ultimate modern haute horlogerie watch is not a wristwatch in the conventional sense. If you set out to build a collection of wristwatches, there are several types that should be included - the dress watch, the chronograph, the dive watch, the complication watch, the beater watch, the vintage watch, and the modern haute horology watch. This series will cover each of these genres in detail and offer up our picks for the ultimate example of each.

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Compilation of Watches - $1 Million & Above May 2012

Disclaimer

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Watches are worn in todays world not just for time, but its a symbol of status, style, fashion and aesthetics. All the watches illustrated here are not only expensive and beautiful but they are exclusive, exquisite & awesome in many other ways. Most of the watches illustrated here are made with Precious or Rare Earth Metals including: gold, silver, platinum, titanium, zirconium, easium, palladium etc. Many of these watches are made with, Precious Stones, including: diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, jade, onyx etc. These stones are in a variety of cuts viz: trapeze, brilliant, triangle, brilliant, baguette and princess cuts. Some of these watches are made of Special Materials like carbon, carbon fiber, ceramic, rubber, glass, crystal, sapphire crystal, porcelain and other specially developed and treated innovative materials, incorporating innovative processes for specific purpose, aesthetic beauty and finish. Few of these watches are also made with Meteorites from other planets of our solar system. These rare rocks traveled millions of years to find this infinitely tiny speck of a planet, somehow not completely burn up in our atmosphere, find their way to land instead of water, be fortunate enough to be discovered by man delivered to a luxury watch company, and wind up on your privileged little wrist. Lets check them out!

Compilation of Watches - $1 Million & Above

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73

Most Expensive

&

Exquisite Watches Ever

Index
Just Click the Link of the Specific Model below to View Details

Blancpain
Blancpain Tourbillion Diamant - $1.8 Million Blancpain Spcialits Tourbillon Diamants Watch - $1,342,700

Breguet
Breguet Napoleon Bonaparte Wifes Watch - $1.4 million Breguet Classique Grande Complication 7639BB - $1.07 Million

Cartier
Cartier Phoenix Decor Secret Watch - $2,755,000 Cartier Tourbillon and Crocodile Watch Price N/A

Chopard
Chopard Diamonds Watch - $25 million watch Chopard Super Ice Cube - $1.1 million

Concord
Concord C1 Eternal Gravity - $1.2 million

Cyrus Klepcys
Cyrus Klepcys $ 1.1 Million

DeLaneau
DeLaneau Open Magic Watch - $ 1.5 million

Franck Muller
Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 - $ 2.7 Million Franck Muller Evolution 3-1 - $ 1 Million

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Hublot
Hublot Big Bang - $ 3 Million Hublot Black Caviar Bang : $1 million

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette Priceless Jaegar-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica 55 - $ 2.5 Million (3 Watch Set)

Jules Audemars
Jules Audemars Extra-thin Bolshoi approx. $1,023,000

Louis Moinet
Louis Moinet Meteoris 4 Watches Set - $ 4.9 Million

Manufacture Royale Opera

Manufacture Royale Opera Tourbillon Accordion Watch - $1.2 Million

MasterGraff
MasterGraff Skeleton Tourbillion Limited Edition - $ 2.3 Million MasterGraff Tourbillion - $1.5 million

Parmigiani Fleurier
Parmigiani Fleurier - Fibonacci pocket watch - $ 2.4 Million

Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe Supercomplication $ 11 million Patek Philippe The Star Caliber 2000 $ 7.5 Million Patek Philippe 1943 Perpetual Chronograph 1527 - $ 5.6 Million Patek Philippe Calibre 89 White Gold - $ 5 Million Patek Philippe Calibre 89 Yellow Gold - $ 3.86 Million Patek Philippe Platinum World Time Ref 1415HU - $ 4 million Patek Philippe Stainless Steel 1949 - Ref 1526 - $ 3.9 Million Patek Philippe Ref : 1928 - $ 3,637,408 Patek Philippe Platinum Perpetual Calendar 1954 - $ 3,067,195 Patek Philippe Gradowski Pocket Watch - $ 3,062,165 Patek Philippe Heures Universelles 1953 (2523) - $ 2.9 Million Patek Philippe Moonphase 1526 - Clark Gable - $ 2.77 Million Patek Philippe - Ref. 2523 1953 - $ 2.72 Million Patek Philippe Pink Gold 1968 - Ref 3448 $ 2,338,286 Patek Philippe Pink Gold Pocket Watch 1894 - $ 2.29 Million

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Patek Philippe Ref 2499 First Series - 1957 - $2.28 Million Patek Philippe Ref 1591 - $ 2.24 Million Patek Philippe Rare Platinum Chronograph1946 Ref 1579 - $ 2,213,454 Patek Philippe Ref 3939 - $ 1.91 million Patek Philippe Grande Complication Pocket Watch - $1,980,200 Patek Philippe Grogan Wristwatch - $ 1,945,040 Patek Philippe Officier1923 - $1,918,387 Patek Philippe Tourbillon Pocket Watch - $ 1.779 Million Patek Philippe Single- Button Chronograph - $ 1.773 Million Patek Philippe Pilot Watch $1.7 million Patek Philippe Rare 1961 Ref 3449 - $ 1,562,271 Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Wristwatch - $1.55 Million Patek Philippe Platinum Wristwatch - $1.54 Million Patek Philippe Double-Faced Pocket Watch - $1.541 Million Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref 5002 - $1.5 Million Patek Philippe Pink Gold Wristwatch - $1.41 Million Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref 5002P - $ 1.4 Million Patek Philippe Platinum Open face One Minute Tourbillon $ 1,252,473 Patek Philippe Ref. 1563 1940 - $ 1.12 Million Patek Philippe Clarin Mustad Ref 1518 $ 1.1 Million

Piaget
Piaget Emperador Temple Diamonds - $ 3.5 Million Piaget Altiplano Full Pave Dial Watch - $1.3 Million Piaget Emperador Joaillerie watch - $ 1,250,000

Richard Mille
Richard Mille RM039 Aviation E6-B - $ 1 Million

Rolex
Rolex Chronographe Antimagnetique 1942 - $1,163,340

Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin - Royal Blue Tourbillon - $ 1 Million

Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin Kallania - $ 8 Million Vacheron Constantin Kallista 1979 - $ 5 million Vacheron Constantin King Fouad I - $ 3.55 Million Vacheron Constantin J W Packard 1918 - $1.8 Million Vacheron Constantin Tour de lle $ 1.5 Million Vacheron Constantin King Farouk 1934 - $1.2 Million Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillion Regulator - $ 1184000 Vacheron Constantin Atelier Cabinotiers Philosophia - $1Million Vacheron Constantin Atelier Cabinotiers - Vladimir - $1Million

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette - Diamonds & Sapphire Dial

This is more of a jewel than a watch made by Jaeger-LeCoulture and its price is so high that it was not estimated yet. Made out of little precious squares, there are gold, silver and diamond cabochons, of which some are filled with 576 diamonds, while others are made of platinum and onyx. It is made up of a series of polish and diamond-set squares... Its an unsystematic series of polished or gem-set links (a jewelry puzzle) hides the exalted Caliber 101. The watch also featured with 576 diamonds or with 400 diamonds and 11 onyx cabochons. The watch face is hidden among these squares, being as small as one of them.

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This watch uses the mechanical manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 movement. This watchs mechanism is based on the smallest manual watchmaking movement, Calibre 101. It was also polished and decorated manually.

Hey there little guy! Arent you cute? It is, isnt it? Little things arent typically hard to come by in the watch world where miniaturization is often the name of the game, but what about the smallest of the small? Here is the worlds smallest mechanical watch movement, and youll be surprised to learn that it was originally made 80 years ago in 1929. It celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. It is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101, and it is still made today. The contemporary version of the Calibre 101 has been souped up a bit. For example the original movement had 78 parts while todays Calibre 101 has 98 parts. Meaning that over the years it was possible to shrink parts down even more and keep them in the same space. The movement is so small it is almost novelty worthy. It is 14mm long, 4.8mm wide and 3.4mm thick. Really little and it weights around a gram. Still a good part of the movement is done in gray gold which is not exactly light there is just not that much material here.

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No way that this movement is an automatic there is any room for a rotor. It is a manually-wound movement 19 jewels. Most small movements are done in this linear fashion which is probably a bit more efficient than the typical circular movement that we normally see. Though we need circular movements to fit in circular watches. The Calibre 101 is a pain to make enough said. Think about it. All handmade and decorate, hand adjusted, it frustration trap for all but the most experienced and talented watch makers. For this reason, so few of the movements are made. Sources say that since 1929 just over 2000 Calibre 101 movements were made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. That is about 25 a year, signaling a very limited production. There is another reason for such limited production. I dont think that the movements are very practical. They are essentially small, for smalls sake. Womens watches dont need to be that small, and if they are, a small quartz movement can often suffice. Still, there are some interesting applications for the watch in high-end jewelry pieces where you can boast the size of the movement in relation to a price justified by a timepiece studded with precious jewels. Take these two pictures watches for example, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Etrier (above), and the Jaeger LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette (below) watches. Each has the Calibre 101 movement and you can easily see these haute joaillierie watches make use of the movements dimensions and size. Though, there are jewelry watches and not meant for any serious type of time telling. Look at how small the face is! Plus, these highly limited watches are wildly expensive with such a limited market. This makes the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 movement an interesting spectacle, but barely something for broad use. In the end, movements such as this are for record setting purposes and bragging rights. In the ongoing pissing contest that is the high-end luxury world of watches, practicality or logic doesnt always need to make sense. Jaeger-LeCoultre is happy enough having the title of maker of the worlds smallest mechanical watch movement, among other glorious titles and recognitions. Plus, it is nice to know what human hands or machines for that matter can do and how small they can become. For most of you this tiny mechanical movement will be a curio and topic of occasional conversation. For the select people on the planet who own watch with a Calibre 101 movement inside, they might have to squint to ever see it. Yes! It looks like a bracelet when you see it at first glance. But in fact, it is of course a womens watch. Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette is the considered to be most expensive watch in the world.

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Chopard $25 million watch

Chopards $25 Million: Most Expensive Watch

This is the most expensive watch created by Chopard. Chopards watch is also known as Diamond Watch because this extravagant and beautiful watch is entirely outfitted with beautiful diamonds. It includes totally 201 carats of diamonds out of which there is a 15-carat pink diamond, an 11-carat white diamond and a 12-carat blue diamond. This incredible jewel is featuring 3 heart shaped diamonds of different colors: a pink one, a blue one and a white one. Around them and on the entire bracelet of the watch, there are yellow diamonds arranged in a flower design, with a white diamond in the middle of each. Together with the heart shaped ones, the total amount of diamonds reaches exactly 201 Carats. For the purpose to increase its beauty 163 carats of white and yellow diamonds are spread everywhere on the watch. Moreover, this magnificent watch includes a mechanism that allows the colored hearts to open, revealing a watch face which includes as well a set of small, round diamonds. The price of this over the top watch is estimated at $ 25,000,000.

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Patek Philippe Supercomplication $ 11 million

Supercomplication is a yellow-gold pocket watch created by Patek Philippe in 1932 for Henry Graves Jr, a New York Banker. This watch was created for Graves as a part of vain competition between Graves and Ohio automobile engineer James Ward Packard. It was the witnesses that Graves has won the contest. No other watch able to surpassed Graves watch up to fifty years until when Patek Philippe created Caliber 89 including thirty-three novel and exciting features. Supercomplication became the worlds most costly watch at the time when it is sold in an auction for $11 million in 1999.

Supercomplication: Most Expensive Watch

It possessed 24 "complications," or mechanical features beyond basic timekeeping, including a different chronological function for each hour of the day, a chart of the nighttime sky over New York City complete with the magnitudes of the stars and the Milky Way, and a minute repeater whose chimes played the same melody heard in London's Big Ben. It was the most complicated watch ever created and the most expensive watch ever sold at auctionsa record that has yet to be broken. Until it came up for auction at Sotheby's (BID) New York in 1999 as part of the "Masterpieces of the Time Museum," it had remained in private hands for 66 years. It has stayed in the hands of the anonymous winner ever since. Patek Philippe & Co., Geneva, no. 198385, started in 1928, completed in 1932 and delivered on January 19, 1933diameter 74mm; thickness of case with glass 36 mm; weight of case 535 grams (approx. 1lb.3 oz.)
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When two powerful men in the U.S.A., vied with one another to order and acquire exceptional watches, either for their time-keeping qualities or their complexity. Interestingly enough, both chose Patek Philippe as their principal source of supply. Thus started a fascinating 'contest' between two friendly gentlemen who were nevertheless arch-rivals in the field of horology. The first, Henry Graves, Jr. of New York was essentially a sportsman and collector; but fortuitously born into a private banking family. The second was James Ward Packard of Warren, Ohio, the automobile manufacturer. First one, then the other of these two gentlemen would order timepieces with multiple horological from Patek Philippe in Geneva. By 1916, Packard had edged in front of Henry Graves, Jr. in his bid to own the finest and most complex watch in the world. Indeed, in January of that year he took delivery of an impressive pocket-watch made by Patek Philippe (history) and which incorporated sixteen horological complications. Again, in April 1927 a further stunning pocket-watch with ten complications, including a celestial -chart, was delivered to James Ward Packard by Patek Philippe. However, neither piece could claim to be the most complicated watch ever made. For Henry Graves, Jr., ever the sportsman and competitor, the challenge was irresistible. Unhesitatingly he returned to the 'contest' with renewed vigor. In strictest secrecy he once more approached Patek Philippe in Geneva with a monumental request, namely to plan and construct "the most complicated watch. And, in any-case, certainly more complicated than that of Mr. Packard!"

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The master-watchmakers at Patek Philippe, undaunted, returned to their respective shops to ponder this -challenge. In the event, and by modern-day standards, the end result was arrived at quickly. Indeed, 'only' five years were necessary, between 1928-1933, to research, develop and produce the chef-d'oeuvre ordered by Henry Graves, Jr. from Patek Philippe. The watch was delivered to Henry Graves, Jr. on 19th January 1933. Nevertheless, exhaustive studies in the realms of astronomy, mathematics and precision mechanisms were necessary to achieve what then became the 'world's most complicated timepiece', incorporating twenty-four horological complications. The 'Graves' watch retained that title for an impressive long time; fifty six years in all.

Types of Complications
The twenty-four complications of the Graves Watch can be divided into five distinct areas: the timekeeping function, the calendar function, the chronograph function, the chime and the operational functions.

The Timekeeping Functions

The timekeeping functions contribute to six complications of the watch. Besides the hours, minutes and seconds, which are not considered horological complications, the watch has the hours, minutes and seconds of sidereal time, the time of sunrise and sunset (calibrated for New York) and the equation of time. This sidereal complication requires a transmission ratio of exactly 1.0027379092 which is driven by a 62 tooth wheel on the arbor of the fourth wheel. Sidereal time is based on the amount of time it takes the Earth to make two consecutive transitions of a meridian by a fixed star. By measuring the transits of a fixed star, one is able to measure the actual time it takes for the earth to turn on its axis. This period of time is known as a sidereal day which is approximately 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4.1 seconds. The equation of time indicator on the Graves watch is calibrated to show the difference between apparent solar time (the time as indicated by a sundial) and mean time (the average of solar time). Since the Earth is in an elliptical orbit, the difference between mean and solar time ranges from plus 14 minutes 59 seconds to minus 16 minutes 15 seconds. Solar time agrees with Mean Time on or about April 15, June 15, August 31, and December 24th. The Graves watch indicates the equation of time on a sector-shaped scale with calibrations for plus/minus 17 minutes. The equation of time mechanism is driven by an arbor that protrudes through the movement from the calendar mechanism.
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The Calendar Functions

The calendar functions add an extra six complications that include the perpetual calendar, the date, the day of the week, the month, the star chart and the age and phases of the moon. Since the duration of the Solar year is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 48 seconds and the Mean year is 365 days, an extra day is added every 4 years (leap year) and a further adjustment is made with the omission of a leap year every four centuries. According to the Gregorian calendar reforms of 1582, century years that are divisible by 400 without remainder are to be considered leap years. Consequently, the perpetual calendar of the Graves watch will not have to be readjusted in the year 2000 and it will be accurate until the year 2100, when the calendar will need to be readjusted for the first time. The Graves watch star chart rotates anti-clockwise behind the oval aperture of the dial. The shape of the aperture allows one to see the night sky as seen from New York City, complete with magnitudes of the stars and the Milky Way.

The Chronograph Functions

The chronograph function consists of four additional complications comprising the chronograph mechanism, split seconds, 30 minute recorder and 12 hour recorder.

The Westminster Chime, Repeater and Alarm

The chiming and striking mechanisms consist of four additional complications which comprise the Grande Sonnerie with carillon, the petite sonnerie with carillon, the minute repeater and alarm. A total of five spring gongs are struck by five hammers to sound the carillon, striking and repeating. The Westminster chime, made famous by the Westminster, London clock popularly known as 'Big Ben' was first used in St. Mary's Church, Cambridge in 1793. The chime tune itself was taken from the fifth bar of Handel's aria from the Messiah, "I know that my Redeemer liveth."

Operational Functions
The remaining four functions of the watch, bringing the total to twenty-five, are the going train with power reserve, the striking train with power reserve, the twin barrel differential winding, and the three-way setting system.

$11,002,500 Sothebys Auction Dec 2, 1999

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Vacheron Constantin Kallania - $ 8 Million

The Costliest Watch Ever Produced

Kallania Is master pice and a worthy heir of the renowned Kallista, which Clbrtes its 30th Anniversary this year. Incarnation of a living art, the Watch Kallania is worthy heiress of the mythical room Kallista. Before it was individually certified by the Independent laboratoire of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), each diamond went through a long and a selection process from among a large number of stones extracted from several million tones of diamantifres deposit. The exceptional level

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of purity, colour, cut, finishing and homogeneity is a rare achievement indeed. More than any other factor, it is the proportions and precise positioning of the thousands of facets that make precious stones so beautiful. Perfectly aligned, the facets have been meticulously polished by experts to achieve a maximum clarity of reflected light. Thanks to their light and delicate finishing, the diamonds reveal all their splendor once they have been inserted using the bead-setting technique; each bead is shaped like an inverted pyramid to lighten the appearance of the piece and highlight its luster and radiance. The assembly, which is carved from white gold, gives shape to the cascade of diamonds which cover it. The perfectly integrated case and bracelet give this distinctive cuff-watch a contemporary air. By combining traditional savoir-faire with contemporary design, Vacheron Constantin has once again affirmed its values in the 21st century. This house collectors piece shows its true worth, the thinnest mechanical movement in the world at its debut in 1955 the 1003 calibre. Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, it is stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

A new worldwide record. 186 diamonds sharpen emerald for about a total 170 karats illuminate this prowess of patience and perfection. Dazzling expression of passion which inspires the masters of art of the factory, it establishes a new worldwide record in terms of realization and number of karats.

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Once set according to the technique of the setting with nails, diamonds reveal all their splendour thanks to a ventilated finishing: every nail is worked in effect in pyramid reversed to lighten the aesthetics and to elate brilliance and radiance of the room. Sculpted in the mass, the white golden setting imposes its lines on the stream of diamonds which come to flood it. Case and bracelet perfectly inserted form a watch oversleeve of character in contemporary paces. One more time, Vacheron Constantine inscribed his stocks in XXIth century by alloying an ancestral know-how with a contemporary aesthetics. To prove to be worthy of genius jeweller, this room of collection beats to the rhythm of the finest mechanical movement in the world - the calibre 1003 - stamped by the prestigious Bradawl of Geneva, and entirely developed and fabricated by Vacheron Constantine. The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie assembles some of the most prestigious and exclusive watchmakers on the planet. Because of its attendance that boasts names like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, the event is bursting full with pricy timepieces. So when one particular watch rises above the crowd because of its price tag, you know its really expensive. This year, that honor belongs to the Vacheron Constantin Kallania. With its price at an affordable 5 million euros (about $6.45 million), it goes beyond the watch industrys usual definition of expensive. The high prices of watches, however, dont often come without good reason. In the case of the Kallania, the profusion of zeros on the price tag comes from the 186 diamonds emerald-cut diamonds weighing in at a whopping 170 carats all in all. Thats 34 grams of diamond right there.

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But one really cannot wonder why Vacheron Constantin bothered to create such a conspicuously luxurious watch. It is, after all, the same company that spent 6,000 hours (all clocked in by master craftsmen) in 1979 to create, nay, sculpt a watch from a single gold ingot. That same watch the Kallista was then set with a total of 130 carats worth of diamonds. The Kallania, then, is a sequel in the grand plan of a director that specializes in premium watches instead of motion pictures. Just because its a veritable jewelry piece doesnt mean that the Kallania is without its own merits with respect to horology. Its outfitted with the 1003 Calibre, the thinnest mechanical calibre not just for Vacheron Constaintin but in the whole world so far. Its perhaps only appropriate that such a record-breaking watch be paired with a mechanism thats just as noteworthy as the watch itself. Yes, the cost of the Kallania sounds more like a national debt than a price for a watch. It is, however, the kind of item that you just talk or dream about and not really buy (unless youve got several million dollars to spare). This is one timepiece thats for the record books and the record books alone.

Vacheron Constantin: KALLANIA best High Jewelry watch in Vogue Jewels Awards 2009.
Madrid, 23th June, 2009- The Vogue Jewels Awards 2009 was celebrated in Madrid (Spain). The impressive model Kallania won the prize in the category Best Jewel Watch.
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The Star Caliber 2000 $ 7.5 Million

It has taken centuries of horological study to construct a timepiece as extraordinary as the Star Caliber 2000, a watch which builds on the past to represent the future of mechanical watchmaking. Since 1839, it has been Patek Philippe's mission to preserve and simultaneously to evolve the traditional art of watchmaking.

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At Patek Philippe important moments in history have always inspired us to push forward the accepted boundaries of the watch making art: with the Star Caliber 2000 we have added a new luminary to the horological firmament. This enchanting pocket watch is the result of eight years of painstaking research and development. It joins the proud ranks of the world's most eminent portable timepieces, and presents a totally new combination of stunning complications for which six patents have been filed, elevating its status to unprecedented levels of complexity.

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The new Star Caliber 2000 was unveiled, the product of eight years of development and invention a timepiece that represents a new pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking. For the first time ever in the history of Patek Philippe, six patentable inventions are encased in a single timepiece, redefining watchmaking and elevating it to a new standard. The Star Caliber 2000 is the result of eight years of development and perseverance needed to overcome technical obstacles that so far had been deemed insurmountable. Accordingly, it is a perfect reflection of the philosophy that has reigned at Patek Philippe since 1839: to build the world's finest timepieces with an ongoing quest for refinement and improvement. This latest masterpiece from Geneva manifests the unique experience and the inestimable know-how of Patek Philippe, anchored in over160 years of tradition and innovation.

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This undertaking is epitomized by the Patek Philippe Caliber 89, the most complicated mechanical watch ever built. You can only special order one of these and I am sure getting one is extremely difficult, not just because of price, but because Patek does not just sell a piece like this to anyone. This is truly an immaculate piece in every way and a complete dream watch to me and most others. By the way, there is an outstanding book specifically on this watch by Patek Philippe.

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A tribute to the prowess of our engineers and watchmakers, the Star Caliber 2000 is the only pocket watch ever to reproduce exactly the celebrated chimes of the Westminster clock tower in London. Its "running" equation of time, synchronized with the perpetual calendar, enables the reading of local mean time and true solar time. The indications of sunrise and sunset, the celestial chart and the moon-phases also accord their movements with the perpetual calendar, whose innovations include a rapid correction feature, which simultaneously adjusts all indications to the perpetual calendar date. A further distinction is the ingenious system for opening the two covers by means of the pendant at three o'clock. Over 1,000 parts give life to one of the most complex manually wound watch movements ever made, and animate its two faces, making this an object to treasure and a source of enduring fascination. This masterpiece, which is created in three types of gold- yellow, white and rose gold as well as platinum, represents a new triumph for mechanical horology, and strengthens Patek Philippe's desire to reveal the incomparable poetry of the watchmaker's art.
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The Star Caliber 2000 is a double-faced pocket watch. It belongs to the illustrious category of Grandes Complications. In addition to indicating the time, it incorporates 21 different complications and thus ranks third among the world's most complicated watches, right after the Patek Philippe Caliber 89 (1989 - 33 complications) and the Patek Philippe Graves (1933 - 24 complications). Its bassine-style hunter case has two sprung covers which can be selectively opened with a push button in the winding crown. The front dial of the Star Caliber 2000, apart from the hours, minutes, and seconds of meantime, displays the running equation of time, perpetual calendar information (day of the week, date, month, leap year, season), the sunrise and sunset times combined with a 24-hour day/night indication, and the power reserve of the movement and of the chime. The celestial dial on the back shows the relative movement of the nocturnal sky, the lunar orbit, and the moon phases. Hidden from view but clearly audible is the striking mechanism of the Star Caliber 2000 - the world's first pocket watch capable of playing the original melody of the Westminster chime as it peals from the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in London. It sounds the quarterhours and full hours in passing and on demand also indicates the minutes which have elapsed since the last quarter-hour. The circular openings in the sprung covers allow the resonant sounds of the gongs to unfold in body and richness.

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Beginning of 1993, Patek Philippe resolved that it would celebrate the millennium change with an unprecedented feat in watchmaking: with a timepiece that would unite the most fascinating and sophisticated of all known complications in one single movement. The intention was also to enhance and refine these complications in several respects, demonstrating that there is still untapped potential in mechanical watchmaking. To achieve these goals, it was necessary to overcome obstacles that so far had defied even the most inventive minds in horology. The objective has been attained: the magnificent Star Caliber 2000 fulfills even the highest expectations. As multifaceted and complex as the functions and mechanisms of the Star Caliber 2000 may be, it is nonetheless remarkably easy to use. Other Grandes Complications are so intricate to regulate and adjust, particularly with regard to certain time and calendar displays that their owners must turn to experienced watchmakers for assistance. In contrast, the Star Caliber 2000 is the first watch of this degree of complexity to incorporate a comprehensive mechanical synchronization of the perpetual calendar with the running equation of time as well as with the display of sunrise and sunset times. Moreover, it has an

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ingenious rapid correction feature. If the watch was left unwound for an extended period of time, only three adjustments are necessary: The perpetual calendar must be updated with a corrector slide, the day of the week with a stylus, and the time with the crown. All other time-and calendar related displays are corrected automatically. The corrector slide is particularly convenient: It allows not only corrections by just one day but also by nearly an entire month. Since the Star Caliber 2000 has a celestial dial on the back side, it is not possible to simply open the back of the case if it becomes necessary to regulate the movement. But precision adjustments can be performed by a master watchmaker from the outside with a screw and an index a convenience that will be highly appreciated. The Star Caliber 2000 manifests the philosophy which has inspired the work of all Patek Philippe watchmakers since the company was founded in 1839. It places emphasis on the preservation of cherished traditions in the art of watchmaking but also attaches great importance to the perpetual quest for innovation. The underlying objective is to further refine the technology of timekeeping and to continually test the limits of what is possible with mechanical means. The result is an amazing collection of mechanical Grandes Complications such as the Packard (1927), the Graves (1933), the Caliber 89 (1989) and the Star Caliber 2000. All of these masterpieces are based on the principle of mechanical measurement of time, but with regard to the functional concept and precision of implementation, each timepiece represents a quantum leap forward in mechanical watchmaking. The ambition to preserve traditions obviously entails the need to safeguard craftsmanship and venerable watchmaking expertise. This is part of the cultural heritage that Patek Philippe wishes to nurture and maintain to the greatest extent possible. The proud legacy includes nearly extinct enameling skills such as the champlev technique for the Roman numerals in the front cover of the Star Caliber 2000. An old art is revived in the filigreed case decorations and the engraved work performed to embellish the back sprung cover. It leads to enhancements in the industrial production of mechanical watches and encourages watchmakers to test the limits of mechanical artistry. The fabrication of extremely tiny movement parts by numerically controlled machines that cut using wire and electrolysis is one of the challenges that the Star Caliber 2000 project imposed on the specialists in Geneva. The valuable experience they gained will have a positive impact on the future of watchmaking at Patek Philippe.

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Caliber : Star Caliber Manual Winding Movement Case in 750 yellow, white, or rose gold or in 950 platinum Diameter: 73.20 mm Height: 32.30 mm Weight of gold case: 280g Weight of platinum case: 364g Dial: enamel

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Functions: In addition to displaying mean solar time in hours, minutes And seconds, the Star Caliber 2000 provides 21 additional indications Timekeeping functions: Running equation of time Time of sunset Time of sunrise 24-hour day/night display with passage of the sun Calendar functions: Perpetual calendar Date Leap year cycle Day of the week Month Season Astronomical functions: Sky chart Lunar functions: Lunar orbit Moon phases Other functions: Power-reserve indicator for the movement Power-reserve indicator for the chime Bidirectional winding Precision adjustment of movement from the outside Pendant push button for opening sprung covers Chiming functions: Westminster chimes in passing on five gongs Minute repetition on five gongs Chime in passing is blocked when mainspring is run down

Patek Philippe Star Caliber 2000G Nothing is as timeless as a well-made watch, and few watches are as well made as those by Patek Philippe. The Star Caliber 2000G is a manually-wound timepiece available in white, yellow or rose gold bodies, or platinum. All versions have two faces: one with the earth in its galaxy, and one with more information than you could imagine on an analog watch face, such as the season, leap year and sunrise/sunset. It even plays the chimes from London's Westminster clock (otherwise known as Big Ben) as a testament to its design. Only two watches are produced a year with over 1,000 parts in each. A watch like this will be a valuable asset forever for anyone, if you can afford it.
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Price: Upwards of $7.5 million, if you can find one.

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Patek Philippe 1943 Perpetual Chronograph 1527 - $ 5.6 Million

Patek Philippe Watch Ref. 1527 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Patek Philippe. A unique and historically important 18K gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases and tonneau-shaped case
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., GENVE, REF. 1527, MOVEMENT NO. 863'247, CASE NO. 634'687, MANUFACTURED IN 1943 Christies 12th May 2010

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This timepiece apart from being a signature watch from Patek Philippe watches collection came to be known for its existence during the historic World War era and also for being one of the largest sized wristwatches of that generation, which by todays standards is of a medium size. Other than the history itself the watch has plenty of notable features such as 18K yellow gold chassis, 23 gemstone entrustments, 37 mm dial, bi-metallic compensation balance, silvered matte dial, applied gold Arab numerals, date and moon phase indicators, railway track design minute markings, amongst others. Since it belonged to an era much before today, the usage of technology was a rarity, hence making the watch such a coveted asset. With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial, applied gold hour markers and tachometer scale in 1943 and its subsequent sale on 22 August 1946. In a highly connected world where nearly every piece of information is a mouse click away, it is rare that some histories have not yet been written, yet published and hence unknown to the broader public. This is even more so the case when it comes to scholarship in the field of horology where in recent decades numerous scholars have published wonderful tomes listing every conceivable model of most of the world's noteworthy makers and manufacturers. It must consequently be considered a spectacular addition to scholarship when a watch, barely known outside a small, inner circle of long time passionate watch collectors, comes to the market and for the first time is fully researched, understood and put into a historical context.

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The present watch, known to collectors and scholars since exactly 20 years when offered last for the so far only time at auction, was always known as the "large size, one-off perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch". This designation was far from doing justice to this highly important master piece and historically most interesting forerunner of future generations of complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches. Patek Philippe introduced at the 1941 Basel fair the today mythical reference, or model number, 1518 to the public. It was the world's first wristwatch, made in series, featuring a perpetual calendar, moon phases and chronograph. It is easily recognizable by its masculine yet classic case proportions with the lugs elegantly integrated into the main body of the case. The band (also known as sides) was straight lending the main body of the case a somewhat cylindrical appearance. The dial was clearly defined by the Arabic numerals and the outer scales for the chronograph. Reference 1518 remained in production for over a decade and was replaced in 1951 when reference 2499 was launched. The latter was a huge change in design, most notably to the beholder's eyes was the much more prominent lugs, now down-turned and highlighted by a step. It is probably not coincidental that at a time when car manufacturers were starting to compete against each other by adding ever growing tail fins to their latest creations that Patek Philippe decided to add some extra post-war extravaganza to their otherwise traditional top of the line model.

The present watch, however, completed in 1944, at the eve of World War II's end, was anything close to the well-behaved peers of the early 1940s production but stood out by its avant-garde case design and proportions - not seen in Patek Philippe's regular production for nearly another decade. The case body has more roundness than reference 1518 and the lugs have grown in length and are more curved - smoothly clinging around its wearer's wrist. Thanks to the much more
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generous use of natural roundings and less of architectural lines, the watch has not only grown in size compared to reference 1518 but also gained a much more sensual, even voluptuous appearance. In fact, with an impressive diameter of 37.6 mm. it exceeds its contemporary, reference 1518 (see the previous lot in this auction) by over 2.5 mm. - a noteworthy difference. Interestingly, as of the mid 1950s one recognizes the same case and lug shape again in other models, most notably in the legendary reference 2526 (Patek Philippe's first automatic wristwatch fitted with enamel dial). The present watch was, consequently, some 10 years ahead in terms of case design and an important precursor to future model generations. Most notably however is the fact that until recently the present watch was not classifiable since it did not only lack a model number but also was missing any relatives in Patek Philippe's 1940s production. During recent months, in-depths research was carried out in regards to this watch and thanks to the relentless studies of a series of scholars and archivists it came to light that the present watch is a reference 1527, a model number not known to have been attributed to any other complicated wristwatch at all until some 6 years ago. In fact, it was in 2004 when Patek Philippe added to their prestigious museum a perpetual calendar wristwatch which belonged to Henri Stern, father of Philippe Stern, honorary president and owner of Patek Philippe. That watch, designated in the show case as a special order by Charles Stern, is housed in the same case style, reference 1527, but does not have the chronograph mechanism as the present watch but "only" the perpetual calendar indication with moon phases. Consequently, the present watch is not only one of two ever made complicated references 1527 in the world, but is, like the second example in Patek Philippe's own museum, a unique wristwatch most certainly finished upon special request of a prominent customer. In 1944, upon Charles Stern's passing, the "Patek Philippe Museum reference 1527" was bequeathed there Stern who himself enjoyed it throughout his life. Philippe Stern received the watch in 2002; the year of his father's passing, and decided to leave it to the firm's own museum for permanent exhibition. During the 20th century, with the ever advancing industrialization of watchmaking, only for the benefit of reliability, service friendliness and cost effectiveness, sadly, individualism was gradually lost. The world's greatest watch collectors and patrons of the distinguished Geneva manufacturer of the pre-war era, such as Henry Graves Jr. and James Ward Packard, contributed through their patronage to the inventing, designing and creating of some of the greatest oneoff masterpieces ever made. Since the 1940s, not only due to the changing of the political and consequently economic landscape of the world but also caused by the arrival of a new era in watch making, such exceptional orders were gradually disappearing or simply no longer entertain able. As a consequence, the present watch is, by all means, not only a significant milestone in Patek Philippe's history of complicated wristwatches, but without a doubt also one of the world's most beautiful and valuable wristwatches to have remained, until today, in private hands.

Christies 12th May 2010 $ 5.6 Million

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Vacheron Constantin - Kallista 1979 - $ 5 million

Kallista meaning "the most beautiful" in Greek - "Marvelous"

Vacheron Constantin Kallista, which nowadays estimated in 11 million dollars, and in 1979 a client bought it for 5 million dollars. Kallista is a result of 6000 hours of work watchmakers and 20 months of work jewelers. Case and bracelet of watches are incrusted with 118 big diamonds emerald cut with weigh 127.34 karat and 141 diamonds tradition cut. Watches were equipped with movement of hand winding. Kallista exclusive watches, produced in only one piece. Sold for 5M US$ in 1979 (more than 11M US$ nowadays). The watch was carved in a gold ingot, the Kallista is crimped of 118 diamonds IF (emerald cut) for more than 130 carats. Almost 2 years of work it consists of 118 emerald cut diamonds for over 60 carats.
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The "unofficial" story is that a jeweler had actually bought through time exceptional emerald cut diamonds in view of making something exceptional but since business was bad VC offered the jeweler to borrow the diamonds and set them in a wrist watch with the obligation of not re cutting the diamonds. Once the watch finished it was to be shown to a king in the Gulf region but the 2nd oil crisis breaks out and the project falls apart. The loan period drawing to an end with no clients in sight (the watch at the time, 1979, was estimated at over $5 million!!) the team at VC with a heavy heart was ready to take the diamonds apart and return them when the proverbial knight shows up at the last minute and saves the show. Contractually VC is not allowed to disclose the name of the owner but rumor has it that the watch never left Geneva and is in fact in a vault.

Vacheron Constantin - Kallista 1979

Silver-gilt, emerald-cut zircons Dimensions: 3 2.5 cm this unique piece was designed by the French-Italian artist Raymond Moretti (1931-2005). The original is set with 118 flawless D color emerald-cut diamonds totaling 130 carats. The frame was crafted from a gold ingot weighing 1 kg.
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Patek Philippe Calibre 89 White Gold - $ 5 Million

This white gold pocket watch has 33 complications. There are only 4 of them which required 9 years of development. This watch also celebrate the brand's 150th anniversary.

Sold at auction in Geneva by Antiquorum in April 2004

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Patek Philippe Calibre 89 Yellow Gold - $ 3.86 Million

The Patek Philippe Calibre 89 is a commemorative pocket watch created in 1989, to celebrate the company's 150th anniversary. Declared by Patek Philippe as "the most complicated watch in the world", it weighs 1.1 kg, exhibits 24 hands and has 1,728 components in total, including a thermometer and a star chart. Made from 18 carat (75%) gold, it has an estimated value of $6 million, and took 5 years of research and development, and 4 years to manufacture. Four watches were made; one in white gold, one in yellow gold, one in rose gold and one in platinum. The Caliber 89, an open-faced astronomical watch with two dials, was made to mark the watch brands 150th anniversary. It has 33 complications in five categories of functions: timekeeping, calendar, chronograph, chime, and operational functions. There are only four modelsone each in yellow, pink, and white gold, and one in platinumwhich were purchased by an unidentified royal family. In recent years, the collection has been broken up.
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Sold at auction in Geneva by Antiquorum in Apr 89

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Patek Philippe Calibre 89

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Movement- {from the front to the back}

With 33 complications, 1728parts, and weight almost 3lbs, the Calibre 89 is no doubt the most complex watch in the world. It was created in 1989 to celebrate the 150th anniversary. There are only four pieces available one each in platinum, white gold, rose gold and yellow gold.

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Dials &Complications

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Day of the month Hour Hands 12-hour recorder Up-down chime Day of the week Hour of second time-zone

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Chronograph second hand Seconds Hand Moon phases Winding crown position indicator Century decade and year displays Leap Year Indicator

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

Minutes Hands Chronograph Counter Power Reserve Month Split-second hand Thermometer

19. sidereal time hour hand 20. Date of Easter

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22. Time of sunrise 23. Equation of time

25. Star chart 26. Sun hand

21. sidereal time minute hand 24. sidereal time second hand 27. Time of sunset

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Complications (Features)
The complications include the date of Easter, sidereal time, and a 2800-star celestial chart Day of the month 12-hour recorder. Day of the week Hour of second time-zone Moon phase display Winding crown position indicator Century decade and year displays Leap Year Indicator Power reserve Month.

Specifications
Total diameter 89 mm Total thickness 41 mm Total weight 1100 grams

Mechanical Precision
The Calibre 89 features a record 33 of these different types of functions, or complications. It will tell you when the sun rises and sets in Geneva, the current month, year, decade, century and phase of the moon. It also has two different striking mechanisms. It incorporates the Georgian calendar, a map of the sky as seen from Geneva and the date of the next Easter, which appears each December 31. All of this is displayed with the help of two dials, eight discs and 24 hands. It sounds audacious but the company began the project with the goal of making "the clock with the most complications in the world, containing all the traditional watchmaking techniques accumulated over one -and-a-half centuries. Some of the complications had never been published. The personal notes and drawings of Patek Philippe engineer Jean-Pierre Musy proved an invaluable source of knowledge.

16th Century Roots

Given the expertise of watchmakers and the technical resources for production, it would have been difficult if not impossible to build such a complex watch 100 years ago," company spokeswoman Isabell Ferch told. The timepiece nevertheless reflects the accumulation of knowledge over centuries of watchmaking. Its roots go back to the 16th century, when the first mechanical watches with complications started being produced.

The Patek Philippe white gold Calibre 89

The most complicated watch in the world) sold for US $ 5,002,652 at Antiquorums 30th anniversary watch and clock auction April 24 in Geneva, Switzerland. It was the second highest price ever paid for a watch at auction, and topped pre-sale estimates by 160%. Sale of the Calibre 89 had generated great interest in the horological and collectors sectors. A yellow gold version sold at auction in 1989 for $3.2 million, then one of the highest prices ever paid for a timepiece.

Biddersincluding private collectors and many museums from around the worldattended the sale at the Hotel Noga Hilton. Bidding was heavy from the floor and included numerous telephone, Internet, and written bids. The total result was US$25,047,894.
The Patek Philippe Museum Pictures and description of the Calibre 89 The 9 Most Important Watches in the World.
It is rumored that a single collector at one time owned all four Calibre 89 watches ever produced one in white gold, one in yellow gold, one in rose gold and one in platinum.

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Louis Moinet Meteoris 4 Watches Set - $ 4.9 Million

You are looking at the one-of-a-kind Meteoris from watch maker Louis Moinet. Meteoris is a set of four watches and this artfully made mechanical planetarium. The set is for the serious astrological and horological connoisseur. Clearly very expensive the set has some interesting features that are worth knowing about. Looking at the planetarium it is clear that the table like structure is on a pedestal with an ornate mechanical planetarium on it surrounded by four pillow sections for the watches. Actually, given the complexity of the planetarium, I wish that Louis Moinet would have put more effort into giving the watches more appropriate housings. You have four piece unique watches that are each beautifully made tourbillons that are just sitting there on a pillow. At least give them a dust cover.

The planetarium weighs about 100 kilos and is 150mm tall, and about 91cm in diameter. The table and mechanics where done by the mechanic Remy Chauvin. Like all good stubborn watch makers, Louis Moinet refuses to let go of Pluto as a planet in the solar system, so it is right there along with the rest of the planets as well as the Sun. The contraption features the Sun in the center with each of the planets moving around it in real time. The planets and Sun where made by artist Jean-Yves Kervvan. Each of the paints and varnishes used are handmade, and dust from meteorites is used on some of the orbs . Only the Earth has its moon represented which revolves around the Earth. There is a scale for the zodiac that show was period we are in. Each of the constellations of the zodiac is covered in gold dust and top Wesselton VVS diamonds (154 of them totaling 5.6 carats). The planetarium mechanics are a bit of a mystery to me right now. I know they are all well made, but I am not sure if the device is electrically powered, or somehow manually wound. It is a pretty neat item to have in one's study or foyer, but I would dare not place the Meteoris with the watches in a place where people can snag one of them easily. The Meteoris also has a foot switch that can be activate to show you the rotation of the plants sped up, as simply watches them move in real time would be very slow.
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While the planetarium part of the Meteoris is relatively impressive, the watches are more my thing. Maybe I would be more into the planetarium if it didn't look like places for the watches were an afterthought. The set comes with four piece unique watches that are each slight different versions of the Louis Moinet Vertalis Tourbillon watch. The case and overall design is carried over, but each watch here is a bit different. The pudding is all in the dials. Be it in 18k white gold or rose gold, the watches all come down to their astrological dials.

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Starting with the top down, the first watch is the Louis Moinet Meteoris Tourbillon Mars watch. Each of the Meteoris watches are 47mm wide with complex cases that are made of about 50 parts. The watches have sapphire crystal and one-minute tourbillon manually wound movements. The movements also have a partially skeletonized main spring barrel that shows the tautness of the main spring as a form of power reserve indicator (total of about 72 hours). the Mars watch further has 3.46 carats of 56 baguette cut diamonds on the case bezel and lugs. The dial around the openings is made from a meteorite called "Jiddat al Haraiss 479" that was found in Oman and authenticated as originating from Mars by the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.

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Next on the solar system list here is the Louis Moinet Meteoris Rosetta Stone watch. What does this mean? Well the rose gold watch has a dial that is made from the oldest meteorite found on Earth. It is the Sahara 99555 stone, and nicknamed the "Rosetta Stone"(no relation to the language tablets also known as the Rosetta stone) and is said to be 4.5662 billion years old. According to the Institute for Planetology of Munster, Germany, this stone is thought to have originated from the planet Mercury.

Louis Moinet Meteoris 4 Watches Set

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Third is the Louis Moinet Meteoris Tourbillon Asteroid watch. You guess it,18k white gold case, more diamonds and the dial here is from a meteorite that came off of an asteroid. The stone was found in the Western Sahara desert in Africa. You'll notice that each of the watches has a small, but unique engraving mirrored and on the top of the watch at the apex of the mainspring barrel. Here the image shows a little meteorite said to be falling to Earth. The stone is quite lovely as the dial and is cut from Itqiy (the name of the . Meteorite) It was said to be formed near the Sun, and was authenticated by (my alma mater) the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Louis Moinet Meteoris 4 Watches Set

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Fourth and final for the Meteoris watches is the Louis Moinet Meteoris Tourbillon Moon watch. Again you have the lovely and large Jules Verne style watch case as taken from the style of original Louis Moinet drawings attached to the alligator strap with a dial that is bona bide moon rock. Once again from Oman, the stone is from a meteorite called Dhofar 459, and has been authenticated by UCLA. Once again, each of the dials used for these watches was cut from stones found terrestrially on Earth and are considered very rare. For serious (and seriously wealthy) watch lovers, the Louis Moinet Meteoris is the ultimate collection and there will only be one set.

Louis Moinet Meteoris 4 Watches Set - $ 4.9 Million

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Patek Philippe Platinum World Time Ref 1415HU - $ 4 million

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Patek Philippes Platinum World Time Ref 5131

The original cloisonn enamel dial version from the 1930s is very much in demand, with Europa Star noting the auction price in 2002 for a 1939 Platinum Patek Philippe World Time watch as CHF6,603,500. Wristwatches with the cloisonn and world time mechanism from Patek Philippe from the 1940s and 1950s are similarly sought after and fetch high prices on auction. It is this very watch that is referenced by Patek Philippe with the Ref. 5131, right down to the cloisonn dial. Now, Patek Philippe had already introduced an update of Cotier's world time mechanism with Ref. 5110, where they dispensed with the second crown. A pusher at 10 o'clock took its place, simplifying the action of time setting. Traverse all 24 time zones on the watch by using the pusher 24 times.
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It is the masterpiece in the world of watches and only one is created of its kind and considers being world most expensive watch at the time. Patek Philippe Company in Geneva made their first wristwatch in 1868 and had produced all the top ten most costly watches in the world. This company provides extravagant watches to notable customers like Queen Victoria, Pope Pius IX, an Italian king, a king and Queen of Denmark and to the Saddam Husseins son-in-law.
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The special thing about this watch is that displays a 24-hour time zone in different countries, and its very easy to read. World record price for a Patek Philippe vintage wrist-watch - $4 million this watch became worlds most expensive watch in 2002 when it was sold for $4 million in an auction event.

I can still remember, sometime in 2003, I showed the auction results to a real estate agent from a very established estate agency in Sydney. After looking at the results, he said: The person who bought this watch must have got something wrong in his head. I have come across lots of morons and such an answer is no more strange to me and I told him : I do not mind to be the one with something wrong in the head. There is no point continuing with the conversation with him, regarding the topic, since this man cannot tell the difference between a horse and a donkey. It would be a mere waste of time.

World Record Results - Antiquorum, Geneva, April 13-14, 2002 Geneva

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Patek Philippe Stainless Steel 1949 - Ref 1526 - $ 3.9 Million

Patek Philippe Stainless Steel Reference 1526

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Christie's successfully auctioned this ultra-rare Stainless Steel Patek Philippe Ref 1526 on May 12, 2008 for $3,956,159. The dial on this watch has applied Arabic numerals which are covered with black lacquer, and the watch was first sold on April 17th, 1951.

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Patek Philippe Ref : 1928 - $ 3,637,408

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Christie's Auction House in Geneva just auctions this 1928 Patek Philippe 18k white gold cushion-shaped single-button chronograph for $3,637,408. This beauty features Breguet numerals on a silvered dial and it is 34mm.

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Vacheron Constantin - King Fouad I - $ 3.55 Million

Vacheron Constantin - King Fouad I - Pocket Watch $ 3.55 Million

It was in 1927 Francis Peter, the president of the Cairo Joint Tribunal and a Swiss citizen visited Vacheron Constantans ateliers on the Quai de lIle in Geneva. He had been appointed by the Swiss community of Egypt to find a gift to be presented to King Fouad 1st of Egypt, a known collector of watches a passion he shared with his wife and would pass on to his son King Farouk.
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Vacheron Constantin had already started working on an exceptional piece with an array of complications and 8 hands, which once completed would be the most complicated watch ever created by the brand. Mr. Peter chose this movement which was to be cased in a yellow gold case and have its back decorated with the royal coat of arms and bordered with diamonds.

King Faoud 1 Pocket Watch. 1929 18k Yellow Gold, Enamel Dial Back with Enameled coat of arms Diameter : 6.75 cm Private Collection Caliber RA 21' split second counter chronograph minute repeater on three gongs, grande and petite sonnerie on three gongs, perpetual calendar, age and moon phases, round, in German silver, lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring, micrometric regulator, 46 Jewels.

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In October 1929 the watch was presented to Francis Peter who requested that the days and month indicators be changed from English to French as this was the language the French speaking and Francophile king would undoubtedly prefer. A month later in November 1929 the watch was presented to King Fouad in a sandalwood box decorated with the royal crown and the kings monogram in Arabic. Inside the box was the date: 1929 inlaid in gold and flanked by the Swiss escutcheon and the royal coat of arms painted on enamel.

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The inside of the cuvette had the following words engraved on it: A Sa Majest Fouad 1er Hommage de la Colonie Suisse dEgypte which translates as To His Majesty Fouad 1st Tribute from the Swiss Colony of Egypte (colony as in community).

The King Fouad I pocket-watch sold for a record SFr 3,306,250, making it the most sought-after pocket-watch in this sale and The 5th most sought-after pocket-watch in the world. This superb piece was presented as a gift in July 1929 by the colony of Swiss people living in Egypt to mark the visit to Switzerland of King Fouad I. This remarkable 18K gold timepiece features a silver dial graced with 10 complications: a split-seconds chronograph with 30-minute register, a perpetual calendar, displays of the date, day, month, leap-year and moon phase, as well as a minute repeater striking three gongs on demand, grande sonnerie striking the hours and quarters on three gongs, and petite sonnerie striking the quarter hours on three gongs. The striking mechanism possesses its own winding train distinct from that of the 46-jewel movement.
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King Fouad 10 complications 1929

Minute repeater carillon (3 hammers) Grande Sonnerie Petite Sonnerie Split Seconds Chronograph Day Date Month Leap year indicator Perpetual Calendar Moon phase

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Piaget Emperador Temple Diamonds - $ 3.5 Million

What happens when you have a ziggurat of diamonds on a watch? Well this For 2010 Piaget has successfully crammed in more diamonds into an Emperador style watch. It is like the difference between Wheaties and Total breakfast cereal. Total has twice (or whatever) the fiber, in the same size bowl! How does Piaget fit that much fiber, err, I mean diamonds into a watch? Looks like it has over 1200 diamonds all over the watch. Wow! The secret is the pyramid style "temple" design of the watch case. It actually opens up, twice. First is a little hatch over a smaller mother-of-pearl and diamond watch face. Then the watch opens up again to reveal a large face with an exposed one minute tourbillon and power reserve indicator. With this much surface space, Piaget is able to fits the hundreds of diamonds into the design of the Emperador Temple Diamonds watch. So much jewelry, so much.. Watchery. The timepiece contains a variety of stone cuts. The watch has baguette cut stones, brilliant cut stones, and one emerald cut stone that tops off the stack o' precious gems. The watch case fits the Emperador style mold, and inside the watch are two movements. The grander of the two being the tourbillon. Not too sure whether the top movement is mechanical or quartz. The purpose of a watch like this? To show off. It brings new meaning to the concept of "pyramid power." At the very least, the heap of diamonds on your wrist will get you nice tables at restaurants and extra expensive drinks at the bar. Piaget made the watch as one-off piece that went for a price that was somewhere in the rage of $3.5 million. Though their doors and arms are wide open to you should you decide to fund a second model for your personal wearing pleasure.

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Patek Philippe Platinum Perpetual Calendar 1954 - $ 3,067,195

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Patek Philippe Platinum Perpetual Calendar1954 - Ref 2497

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37mm
This Platinum Patek Philippe was manufactured in 1954 and later sold in 1956. It features black hard-enameled Breguet numerals and the Breguet style markers give this watch a very unusual and exclusive look since it is the only known version of this watch with this elegant marker style. This Platinum Patek Philippe was sold by Christie's Auction house for $3,067,195 on May 12, 2008. It is one of only two known platinum versions of the 2497 that are documented. According to Christie's it is commonly believed that there are no Patek Philippe vintage perpetual calendar watches made out of platinum that were made between 1941 and the mid-1980s. This includes the Patek Philippe References 1526, 1591, 2438, 2438/1, 3448, 3449 and 3450.

In other words, Patek Philippe invented the brought to market, the first perpetual calendar wrist-watch in 1941, and from its inception in 1941, up until the mid1980s, the never made any cases in platinum except for this one and one other. It is possible there may be more out there, but these are the only two that have been documented to date, which makes this watch ultra-rare!!!

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Patek Philippe Gradowski Pocket Watch - $ 3,062,165

Description
Patek, Philippe & Cie., Genve, No. 80897, case No. 204270, made especially in 1890 for Jean de Gradowski. Extremely rare, probably unique, Grande Complication keyless astronomical double train Grande et Petite Sonnerie clock watch with instantaneous perpetual calendar, phases of the moon, Julian and Gregorian calendars, minute repeating and chronograph with central 60-minute recorder, in Patek Philippe leather fitted box, accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.
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Four-body, solid, "bassine et filets", engine-turned back cover with the engraved coat-of-arms of Gradowski, reeded band, gold hinged cuvette, bolt at 4:30 hours for Grande or Petite Sonnerie, another at 9 for striking/silent, small pin at 3 for adjusting the Julian calendar every 131 years, at 10:30 a bolt for blocking the chronograph and at 2:30 a small tripping slide for repeater activation. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, outermost chronograph scale with fie-seconds/minute Arabic figures, four subsidiary sunk dials for days of the week, months of the four year leap cycle concentric with phases and age of the moon, Gregorian and Julian date and subsidiary seconds. Gold "spade" hands. M. 19''', nickel, "fausses-ctes" decoration, two-train, 38 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring, tandem winding, striking and repeating on gongs Signed on dial, case and movement. Diam. 54 mm. At the time the watch was made it was the most complicated one Patek Philippe had ever produced. The company began experimenting with clock watches in the first year of the partnership of Patek, Philippe and Gostkowski, that is in 1845. However, that watch was just a simple Grande et Petite Sonnerie (No. 1326) with no other complications. It took the company almost 25 years to produce a Sonnerie watch with another complication. In 1870 they sold one (No. 27210), with Sonnerie and perpetual calendar (see Antiquorum, January 30, 1977, lot 171, now in the Patek Philippe Museum). It appears that until the present lot no other ultra-complicated watch was made by Patek Philippe. Some of the features of this ultra-complicated watch are quite esoteric. Patek Philippe watches with central minute register are extremely rare. They require more complicated mechanisms, but are more easily readable, which is a characteristic of watches made for the Russian market. The other feature which appears to be unique, is the employment of both Gregorian and

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Julian calendars. Although the Gregorian calendar was established in 1582, some countries took a long time to adapt to it. In Russia, for instance, it was not until 1918 that the calendar reform took place. Apparently, Gradowski wanted a watch showing the date in Poland as well as in other parts of Europe he might travel to. The difference between both calendars increases 0.0076 times a day, which means that approximately every 131 years another day has to be added to the Julian calendar to keep up with the Gregorian. Patek Philippe solved the problem by making an advancement mechanism between the gold Gregorian and blued steel Julian hands. Every 131 years the owner needs just to push the pin and the Julian calendar is back in sync with the Gregorian one. It took the company another 25 years to make other Grande Complication Watches, and very few were made. Only seven are known (Nos. 174129,174961,198144, 198289, 198240, 866776 and 866782). They do not, however, have such esoteric features as double Gregorian and Julian calendars or central minute recorder. It was not until 1932 that the company produced a more complicated watch. This was the famous "Graves" sold in 1999 for the record-breaking price of over US$11,000,000. Among Patek Philippe's ultracomplicated watches are of course the Star Caliber and the famous Caliber 89, the most complicated watch in the world.

Jean de Gradowski
One of the intriguing features of the watch is the coat-of-arms engraved on the back cover. It is called Prawdzic, from "Prawda", meaning "truth". The founder of Patek Philippe, Antoine Norbert Patek de Prawdzic, had the same coat-of-arms. Were the two related ? We have not been able to verify this at present. However, we know that the noble Polish family Gradowski comes from Gradow, near Sochaczew, in central Poland. They are first recorded in the 1500's. Maciej Gradowski was listed in 1525 in the court records of the Polish King Zygmund the Old, Stanislaw Gradowski was elected to the Congress of 1648, Mikolaj to the Congress of 1697. Marceli Gradowski, the grandfather of the owner of the present watch, was Szambelan in 1793 to King Stanislaw August Poniatowski. Jean Gradowski, a gentleman of considerate means, had the main residence in Warsaw. He traveled extensively, resided for a number of years in Geneva. The double Julian and Gregorian calendar he needed because Warsaw, at the time was under Russian occupation. It was not until the end of the WW I that it became Polish again. We are grateful to Michal Gradowski for the biographical information.

Auctioned in Hong Kong by Antiquorum in Jun 2002

$ 3,062,165

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Hublot Big Bang $3 Million

142 Carats Diamond Watch

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The 18k white gold bracelet is stunning with all the diamonds. There is a blinding amount of bling, and that is just what Hublot was going for. The watch speaks as much to other brands as it does consumers about Hublot's market stance. Inside the watch is an in-house made caliber HUB 6003 manually wound tourbillon movement with off-centered time display. Pieces like this are made to order for the right type of people. This isn't the type of watch you can just walk around in. Though at the right social event, the guy wearing the diamond encrusted Hublot that sells for an obscene price might have his taste and sanity questioned, but certainly not his success. Pieces like this are made to order for the right type of people. This isnt the type of watch you can just walk around in. Though at the right social event, the guy wearing the diamond encrusted Hublot that sells for an obscene price might have his taste and sanity questioned, but certainly not his success.

It actually costs only 2 million euros - but that is close enough to 3 Million dollars to call it that right? This year Hublot makes another big bang with this baguette diamond covered 18k white gold Big Bang tourbillon watch. This follows up the Million Dollar Bing Bang from a few years ago that used black diamonds. The $3 Million Big Bang has something like 142 carats of diamonds all over the case, dial, and bracelet. Most of them are large baguette-cut stones and they look marvelous. It is a luxury piece of watch perfect for rich peoples who willing to spend big amount on their watches. Overall the watch has perfect design and features. In market there is lots of watches now this latest luxury watch is superb. This timepiece is not the kind of watch you can just discover in but the watch is a perfect piece for special occasions only

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Hublot Big Bang

Hublot Big Bang $3 Million

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Patek Philippe Heures Universelles 1953 (2523) - $ 2.9 Million

Patek Philippe Model 2523 Heures Universelles This 18-karat yellow-gold world time watch wit fitting the polychrome and enamel dial deserves to be taken with you. Three-body, solid, polished, lapidated lugs. matte silver revolving ring dial bearing the names of 40 cities in the world, at the center, a polychrome cloisonn enamel medallion representing the map of North America with applied yellow gold indexes, concentric, revolving dial in 24 hours for the nocturnal and diurnal hours. The winding-crown on the 3 adjusts the hours and the 24 hours ring; the winding-crown on the 9 turns the ring with the names of the cities. Yellow gold fancy hands. M. Cal. 12-400 HU, stamped with the Poinons de Genve, rhodium plated, fausses ctes decoration,18 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted for heat, cold isochronism and 5 positions, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 35 mm.
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Patek Philippe Heures Universelles 1953 (2523)

Patek Philippe World Time wristwatches, with two crowns, are Ref. 2523 HU (Heures Universelles) and production began in 1953.The two crowns have separate functions: the crown at3 oclock adjusts the hands and the 24-hour ring; while the crown at 9 oclock operates the disc with the names of 41 cities in the world. Production of the first series of the Ref. 2523 began in 1953 with7 examples in pink gold, of which 4 were with cloisonn enamel dial. Production was continued, with the Ref. 2523-1, in small quantities until the mid-1960s, and these models were only made in yellow gold, white gold and pink gold, though the exact numbers for each are difficult to establish. The lugs of the 1950s series are more prominent than those of the 1960s series, which are somewhat flattened.
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This series features different types of dials: matt silvered. guilloch (or engine-turned), either on silver dial plate or on gold dials plate. enameled, such as blue translucent enamel. polychrome cloisonn enamel representing a map of North America, or South America, Eurasia or Europe. Poinons de Genve The voluntary quality control of watches at the Geneva Observatory, was established by a law dated November 6, 1886. Conditions were laid down for the attribution and stamping of the Poinons de Genve, punch-marks designed as the coat-of-arms of Geneva. Pocket watches, or wristwatches which carry the Poinons de Genve, considered as an equivalent to a Bulletin Officiel de Marche, punched on a bridge and on the main plate of the movement, were qualified to be officially termed chronometers. The World Time system was invented around 1935 by Louis Cottier famous independent watchmaker in Geneva. This World Time system was used by Patek Philippe and also by other major names in the Swiss watch industry, such as Agassiz, Rolex and Vacheron Constantin. Patek Philippe created various series of World Timers and the earliest known is a probably unique rectangular galb pink gold model, Ref. 515, made in 1937, which was sold by Antiquorum, Geneva, April 10, 1994, lot 502, for SFr. 550'000 (US$ 388,560). From 1937 until about 1940, Patek Philippe used the World Time movement in various types of cases: Ref. 542 ( 28 mm.), of which only 4 examples are known to date and three were sold by Antiquorum:- Geneva October 17, 1993, lot 431, at SFr. 121000 (US$ 81,700). Geneva, October 15-16, 1994, lot 608, at SFr. 110'000(US$ 87,300).Geneva, April10, 1994, lot 500, at SFr. 231'000(US$ 164,200) with unusual bezel and hands. Ref. 96 Calatrava, which appears to be a unique example, made in 1939. Around 1939-1940 began the production of the series Ref. 1415 (drop-shaped lugs), together with three examples of thereof. Ref 1416 (straight claw lugs), both references with a diameter of 31 mm. and on the revolving bezel the names of 30 cities of the world. In 1940, Patek Philippe created, especially for Dr. P. Schmidt, a unique World Time chronograph (Ref. 1415-1) wristwatch, in yellow gold, with square push-buttons and the names of33 cities of the world, which was auctioned by Antiquorum, Geneva, October 15-16, 1994, lot 516, setting a World Record at SFr. 990'000 (US$ 785,714). This watch is illustrated on the front cover and p. 270 of the new edition (1998) of Patek Philippe Wristwatches, by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery.

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Patek Philippe Heures Universelles 1953 (2523)

From 1940 onwards, Patek Philippe produced World Timers in three main series which include dress watches (Ref. 605, circa 1940-1960s), some with a matt silvered dial or black dial and others with a cloisonn enamel dial; and, wristwatches, with one crown (Ref. 1415, circa 1939-1950s), and two crowns (Ref. 2523 and Ref. 2523-1, circa 1953-1965), some with a matt silvered or gilt dial, some with a guilloch dial, some with an enamel dial and some with a cloisonn enamel dial. On the revolving bezel of the Ref. 1415; the name of 41 cities of the world On the revolving ring dial of the Ref. 2523; the name of 40 cities of the world.

18-karat yellow-gold Two crowns and polychrome cloisonn enamel dial representing the map of North America Matte silver revolving ring dial bearing the names of 41 places in the world The winding-crown on the 3 adjusts the hours and the 24-hour ring The winding-crown on the 9 turns the ring with the city names.

Price: $2,899,373 Auctioned at Antiquorum in 2006

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Patek Philippe Moon phase 1526 -

- $ 2.77 Million

Timeless Style Icon

Clark Gable was renowned for being very stylish and equally masculine, so it makes perfect sense he would wear this beautiful, complicated Patek Philippe watch. This 34mm beauty has a movement made in 1942 and the case was completed in 1948. It sold for $2,773,721 at Christies Auction House on November 16, 2009. Annual Calendar Reference 1526
Clark Gable sporting his Patek Philippe Ref 1526 Moon phase.
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Cartier Phoenix Decor Secret Watch - $2,755,000

Cartiers Secret watch received an extra twist of luxury for this one of a kind phoenix shaped wristwatch. The timepiece is made of 18 carat, rhodiumplated white gold and it uses emeralds for the eyes and a big pear-shaped portrait cut diamond weighing 3.53 carats on it. The watch is covered by 3,010 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 80.13 carats.

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Patek Philippe - Ref. 2523 1953 - $ 2.72 Million

Patek Philippe. An exceptionally rare and highly important 18K pink gold two crown world time wristwatch with 24 hour indication and blue enamel dial SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENVE, RETAILED BY GOBBI, MILAN, REF. 2523, MOVEMENT NO. 722'715, CASE NO. 306'216, MANUFACTURED IN 1953 Patek Philippe. An exceptionally rare and highly important 18K pink gold two crown world time wristwatch with 24 hour indication and blue enamel dial. Signed Patek Philippe, Genve, retailed by Gobbi, Milan, ref. 2523, movement no. 722'715, case no. 306'216, manufactured in 1953
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Cal. 12'''400 HU nickel-finished lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels, micrometer regulator, gold baton and Roman numerals on engine-turned gold chapter ring, translucent royal blue enamel Centre, stylized gold hands, inner revolving ring calibrated for Arabic 24 hours divided into diurnal and nocturnal hours, outer silvered revolving ring with names of 40 cities from around the world and adjusted by crown at 9, large circular case, facetted lugs, snap on back, 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle, case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer. 35.5 mm. diam. With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 10 April 1957. The Extract further confirms the blue enamel centre of the dial. In a world in which it is more and more difficult to impress the spoilt collector, a Patek Philippe world time wristwatch with two crowns can only be greeted with sparkish enthusiasm. If such event is enhanced by the pink gold case version, beautifully contrasted by the original royal blue enamel dial featuring the highly exclusive retailer signature Gobbi, Milano, it is prone to create a standing ovation amongst connoisseurs of supreme timepieces. The present reference 2523 combines all ingredients crucial to deserve the label "a collector's dream come true", reserved for the exceptionally small elite of the world's finest timepieces: a state-of-the-art movement of highest mechanical complexity, a design of extraordinary esthetical appeal, an excellent original condition and the signature of a celebrated house - in this particular instance even the signatures of two celebrated houses. Made by Patek Philippe in 1953 and sold in April 1957 to their distinguished retailer Gobbi in Milan, it is part of an exceedingly small series of dual crown world time wristwatches. According to research, only fourteen examples of the "large version" reference 2523 are known to have appeared at public auction. In fact, a detailed count reveals that eleven examples of these survivors are in yellow gold, two examples in the rare and charismatic pink gold version, and one only in white gold, now prominently exhibited at Patek Philippe's Geneva based museum. The watches were fitted with a variety of different types of dial centres, including engine-turned gold (two examples) and the celebrated cloisonn enameled discs depicting maps. Amongst these are known two examples featuring the map of Europe, five the North American continent and one the map of South America. Considered milestones in Patek Philippe's proud history to such an extent that in 2009, the firm launched a contemporary version, either in yellow gold or white gold, with enameled maps centering the dial (references 5131J and 5131G). The least known of all versions however are examples fitted with a polychrome translucent blue enamel disc. In thirty years of public auctions, only three examples in yellow gold and one example in pink gold have appeared on the market.
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The present watch is consequently understood to be the only third example of reference 2523 in pink gold to be offered at public auction, and the only second one in rose gold with blue enamel dial known to have survived. Interestingly, these two watches have consecutive movement and case numbers but are clearly distinguish able from outside since the watch offered here for sale stands out by its retailer signed Gobbi Milano, prominently positioned on the lower half of the blue enamel disc. This feature is exclusive to this very watch since none of all the other fourteen references 2523 are highlighted by a retailer's signature. Another significant aspect of the present watch's arrival to the market is its absolute freshness to the public. In fact, until to date, no indications of the watch's survival nor its characteristics were known outside Patek Philippe's own archives. Its appearance must be appreciated as the ultimately rare event since, according to research, the vast majority of Patek Philippe's entire reference 2523 production has already returned to the market and consequently been enthusiastically absorbed by the world's most prominent and passionate collectors and museums - including three at Geneva's distinguished Patek Philippe Museum. In actual fact, during the last ten years, only three examples of reference 2523 with enamel dial have been offered at public auction, underlining their extreme rarity and desirability. To further enhance its exclusivity and desirability, the present reference 2523 is preserved in lovely, all original condition, without any signs of restoration. The case, defined by the solid lugs highlighted by the angular facets, particularly sensitive to careless polishing, demonstrates impressively that it has never been treated disrespectfully. Accordingly, the gold marks to the sides are as crisp as to be expected. The mesmerizing dial does not show any signs of cosmetical enhancement. The royal blue color of the enamel beautifully harmonizes with the pink gold case material, further enhancing the incredible look of this matchless timepiece. Seasoned collectors, familiar with the international auction arena for the last thirty years, are well aware how rare the unexpected arrival of such a trophy watch on public stage has become. Considering the number of references 2523 known in private collections and museums and the extremely remote chance that there is another such comparable example still undiscovered in the original owner family's possession, it may be another decade or never again that another opportunity of such magnitude arises.
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1950s manual-winding world time Watches gent's wristwatch enamel gold Vintage

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Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 - $ 2.7 Million

World's Most Complicated Wristwatcho.1105bc.01

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36 complications, 25 of them visible, 1,483 components, a 1000-year calendar, and a price tag of 2.7 million dollars, and 5 years' work: what others have simply dreamed of, Franck Muller has made a reality! Never has the Maison de Haute Horlogerie better deserved its name of "Master of Complications", pulverizing the record number of complications ever housed in a single wristwatch. The challenge for the Master Watchmakers of Genthod was enormous: how to embed all the complications known to this day in a watch that was designed to be worn. The Aeternitas movement served as a base, while the Mega 4 represents the apotheosis of the art of watchmaking with its grand and small Westminster chime striking-work, the only one available on the market with a tourbillon visible on the dial. Added to this are a minute repeater, a monopush piece split-seconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar secular, and an equation of time which only varies by 6.8 seconds per lunar month, the equivalent of one day every thousand years! Although the first piece of this exceptional, limited series was presented to an American collector at a ceremony in Monaco last November, the Master Watchmakers of Genthod are already putting the finishing touches to a second Aeternitas Mega 4, which will be available in the very near future?

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The Genesis
From the outset, the primary aim of the AETERNITAS MEGA project was to produce an extremely complex watch. The second stage of the project involved the quest for noble complications to enhance what was going to become a genuine technical feat, i.e. the most complex wristwatch in the world.

The Model

The Research & Development department at Franck Muller Manufacturing focused on the volume and shape of the case, both essential aspects as regards the progress of the project. Then came the dial production, which proved to be quite a tricky operation, as space needed to be found to display almost all of the complications at the same time as retaining a high degree of legibility. When designing the various mechanisms, their graphical representation on the dial had to be taken into consideration to ensure perfect compatibility.

The Design of the Mechanisms

Numerous problems were encountered when designing the mechanisms. However, one of the main difficulties experienced involved fitting the large Tourbillon into the space normally reserved for the Great Alarm. The other major difficulty was fitting the Great Alarm and its four hammers into a Curvex shaped case. Finally, the entire development of the secular date was a task that needed the highest level of watchmaking expertise.

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The Basic Movement

The basic movement has a Cintre Curvex shape. Its an automatic movement with a micro-rotor placed at 6 oclock and visible through the open-back. It has a grand tourbillon (14mm) with a balance wheel with adjustment screws in platinum and no index. It has a Breguet spiral and a Franck Muller conception escapement. The movement is equipped with a double barrel: the first barrel guarantees a power reserve of about 3 days; the second barrel provides energy for the Sonnerie. Each barrel has its own power reserve displayed on the dial.

Carillon Westminster

The Grande Sonnerie (Grand-strike) strikes the hours and the quarters automatically. The distinctive feature is that it chimes the same notes as the clock tower of the Westminster cathedral. For instance, at 3.15, the owner of the watch will hear 3 low pitch sounds (din din) followed by the first four notes of the Westminster chime mi do re sol . The Petite Sonnerie is programmed by a push piece placed at 2 oclock and it is displayed on the dial by a small hand. It only strikes the hours and the quarters (without repeating the hours at each quarter). For instance, at 3.15 the owner of the watch will only hear the first four notes of the Westminster chimes mi do re sol

The Minute Repeater

is activated on request by pressing a pushpiece placed at 10 oclock. It strikes the hours, the number of quarters and the minutes. For instance, at 3.20 the owner of the watch will hear (din din) followed by the first four notes of the Westminster chime mi do re sol and then 5 low and middle pitch sounds (mi do mi do mi).In order to prevent the user from any handling error, it is not possible to set the time during the chimes as well as chimes are not possible while the time setting is activated.

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Perpetual Secular Calendar

A perpetual calendar indicates the day, the date, the month and the moon phases. It takes into account the length of each month and doesnt require any manual intervention. This mechanism also takes into account the leap years, but it needs to be adjusted three times in a row every 100 years. According to the Gregorian calendar, every 400 years, the leap year is cancelled for three centuries in a row and is reestablished on the fourth century. For instance, in 2100, 2200, 2300 and so on, the leap year is omitted whereas in 2400, and so on, it is re-established.

The Eternal Calendar

of the Franck Muller Watch land workshops is different from any traditional perpetual calendar in that it takes into account the rule governing the Gregorian calendar stating that all century years not divisible by 400 are common years and not leap years. The eternal calendar follows a cycle of 1000 years (renewable to infinity) thanks to two additional sets of wheels:

The First set of Wheels

comprising a wheel of 10 years, a wheel of 100 years and a wheel of 1000 years, allows for the display of a cycle of 1000 years. The second set of wheels was designed for the setting, through the use of cams, of the skipping of the leap years three times in a row every 100 years and its re-establishment the fourth time. On top of the usual indications retrograde date at 12 oclock, days, months, 24hrs day and night, normal leap year cycle it also indicates the time equation. The equation of time is coupled with the calendar, which means that even when the watch is not wound for many years, at the moment of its correction, the equation of time follows the calendar. In addition to that, secular years are indicated through a red point placed at 2, which turns into green during the month of February of secular years.
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Time Zones on the lower side of the dial,

two time zones with a 24 hour hand are placed on the left and on the right hand side of the tourbillon. It is possible to set the hour by pressing the push-pieces on the case. The push-piece on the lower right hand side sets the time zone placed on the right hand side of the tourbillon. As it was conceived for traveling eastwards, at each pressure the hand moves one hour ahead. The push-piece on the lower left hand side corresponds to the time zone placed on the left hand side of the tourbillon. As it was thought for traveling westwards, at each pressure the hand moves back one hour. Between the tourbillon and the center of the dial, the years from 0 to 999 are displayed in an aperture and the cycle can go on indefinitely.

The Astronomic Moon On the dial, the moon phases are displayed with the utmost precision. The error is of only 6.8 seconds per lunar month which represents a deviation of only one day every 1000 years, whereas in a traditional system the error is of one day every four years.

Masterpiece
The Aeternitas Mega is the pinnacle of success in the art of watch-making in terms of complexity and complications. A grandiose work of art culminating in the design of the most complex wrist watch ever made in the world thanks to the multifaceted skills of our watch-makers and constructors. Each of the 1,483 components was designed to give the watch an elegant design in the pure traditions of the old cadraturiers of the Valle de Joux, Switzerland. This watch inspires countless emotions as an exceptional time piece and simply unique in the eyes of lovers of the art of fine mechanics and luxury watch making.
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Complications

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Day-Night display Grande Sonnerie (Grand strike).Petite Sonnerie (Small strike) Silence Minute Repeater Westminster Carillon on 4 gong Programming of the Grand strike/Small strike function with a waterproof push-piece and display on the dial Programming of the Strike-Silence function with a waterproof push-piece and display on the dial Lifting-lever mechanism of the strike when in hand-setting position Mechanism will not allow the start of a new strike if the precedent is not to the end Bolting mechanism of the hand-setting during the strike Transmission mechanism to the hammer which permit the adaptation to different shape of the gong Movement power reserve indicator Strike power reserve indicator Silent Centrifugal governor of the rate of the strike Flying Tourbillon on a ball bearing with ceramic balls Balance wheel with adjustment screws in gold, without index Breguet overcoil with Phillips curve Tourbillon carriage, without any bridge, visible in the dial Automatic self-winding-mechanism of the movement with platinum micro rotor Automatic self-winding-mechanism of the Westminster carillon with a platinum micro rotor Perpetual Calendar Display of the days Display of the months Retrograde Date Secular Calendar Display of the year up to 999 years Bi-sextile year display Indication of the secular years Astronomic moon : deviation of 6.8 seconds for each lunation representing an error of one day every 1000 years) Equation of time Two additional time-zones Chronograph incorporated with tree column-wheels Instantaneous minutes counter Hours counter incorporated in the mechanism of chronograph, retrograde hand display Fly-back hand mechanism

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Reference : Caliber :

8888 MGA T CCR QPSE FM 3480 QPSE Mechanic Tourbillon, Carillon Westminster on 4 hammer sand 4 gongs, Chronograph with fly-back mechanism and only one push-piece, Perpetual Calendar Secular, Equation of time, Two additional time zones, Automatic selfwinding mechanism for the movement and the Westminster carillon. Movement : 3 days. Strike : 24 Hours 18'000 Alternances per hour. 34.40 x 41.40. Height 13.65 1483 99

Movement :

Power Reserve : Frequency : Dimensions of the movement : No. of movement components : Number of Jewels :

Movement Decoration : Ctes de Genve, diamond polishing, handbeveling, circular graining, bi-color rhodiumplating and hand-engraving. Display : Hours, Minutes, 24 hours, Chronograph, Fly-back, Minutes counter, hour counter retrograde, two time zones, and Movement power reserve. Grande or petite strike. strike or silence. strike power reserve. Date retrograde, Day, Month, Year, Leap year (cycle of 4 years), no leap year (cycle of 100 years), leap year (cycle of 400 years), Equation of time. Winding-shaft with 2 positions. 7 push-pieces. 4 correctors Sun-stamped translucent lacquered white dial. Cintre Curvex 8880, 18 karat white gold. Width: 42.00 mm x Length: 61.00 mm x Height: 19.15mm Hand-Sewn Alligator

Display of the strike : Perpetual calendar Display : Functions : Dial : Case : Strap :

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World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie And for all those who would like to share the dream of Franck Muller's creations first-hand, Franck Muller will be offering watch professionals and the international press a comprehensive view of its seven brands: Franck Muller, Pierre Kunz, ECW, Rodolphe Montres & Bijoux, Barthelay, Backes & Strauss and Martin Braun.

Price - $ 2.7 Million

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica 55 - $ 2.5 Million

(Set of 3 Watches) The Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie - 26 complications The Hybris Mechanica Gyrotourbillon -10 complications The Hybris Mechanica Triptyque - 19 complications

Hence the number " 55 " used for this set, which will be available in a limited edition of 30 pieces..

Another stunner from Jaeger LeCoultre. Maybe an understatement? Aside from the looks and the complications, this watches set will cost a 'stunning' $2.5 million dollars. That's the price you pay for the "world's most complex watch." If you purchase the watch, Jaeger LeCoultre includes two of its other highly complex watches (Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie, the Gyrotourbillon and the Reversoa Tryptique watches) as part of a three watch set. What did you expect for $2.5 million? The entire collection of three watches arrives in a full safe which is possibly the largest (and heaviest) watch presentation box to date.

In total, 30 sets of the three watches will be available.

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.Jaeger-LeCoultre - Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie

Face
With some 1300 parts, the Jaeger-LeCoultre 182 Calibre is one of the most advanced movements ever made for a wristwatch. A true watchmaking grail, this superlative timepiece brings together26 complications including an entirely retrograde perpetual calendar, a flying tourbillon, and plays the longest Westminster carillon melody ever played by a chiming watch

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Face

Back
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Details of the Jaeger LeCoultre a Grande Sonnerie Complication Real Calibre and Retrograde Perpetual calendar

Details of the Jaeger LeCoultre a Grande Sonnerie Complication The longest Westminster Carillon and the flying Tourbillon

Details of the Jaeger LeCoultre a Grande Sonnerie Watchs dial

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Side view of the Jaeger LeCoultre a Grande Sonnerie Complication

The Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie will hold the Jaeger LeCoultre mechanical Calibre 182 movement with 26 complications and over 1300 parts.
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All of that will be inside of the 18k white gold 44mm wide by 15mm thick case. I honestly don't know how they will be able to cram the ultra-complex movement and complex chiming and gongs mechanism into such a small space. I am starting to understand where the huge price comes into play. The last two "world's most complex watches" were the Patek Philippe Calibre 89 which boasted 24 complications and cost $6 million, and the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega that had 25 complications and cost (only) $1 million. Soon these watches will be supplanted by the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie. The collection of three watches that will come in the Hybris Mechanica set will together hold 55 complications. So what does the watch do? Many of the complications involve the sonnerie functions that include Westminster chimes (will be the only watch that can play the whole Westminster carillon melody), grande sonnerie, petit sonnerie, minute repeater, a silent mode, flying tourbillon, perpetual calendar with a retrograde day, date, and month indicator as well as a leap year indicator. The watch will of course have the time, with an instantaneous jumping hour display, as well as separate power reserve indicators for the mainspring power reserve as well as the power reserve for the sonnerie. There is frankly too much to discuss in terms of all that is seemingly impossibly included in this incredible timepiece. I am most impressed that despite the many complications, the watch still is able to have a large portion of the dial skeletonized and still be highly easy to read. More details soon as the Jaeger LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie is closer to release. Jaeger LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie - 26 complications;
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Westminster Carillon four-crystal-gongs Grande Sonnerie Petite Sonnerie Silence Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon Perpetual and Instant Calendar Days Retrograde days Months Retrograde Months Date Retrograde Date Jumping Hour and Minutes Regulation device with inertia-blocks Strike power reserve indicator Watch power reserve indicator Secured incremental hours setting Secured incremental minutes setting forward and backward Secured incremental minutes setting forward and backward Striking mode selector Instant minute repeater activation Automatic modes switch

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Jaeger-LeCoultre - Hybris Mechanica Gyrotourbillon

The worlds first spherical tourbillon by Jaeger-LeCoultre is writing a new chapter in the art of watchmaking. Nestled at the heart of Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 177, it is associated with fascinating complications: a running equation of time and a perpetual calendar fitted with four retrograde hands. Reference: 6006420 Case: Platinum 950 Strap/bracelet: Alligator Leather

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You still find the curve made by the Retrograde Date, which nicely separates the Gyro Tourbillon and the Time areas, and the indication of the Month and of the power reserve, geometrically displayed, but all is shown, now, like a Sculpture. And a moving sculpture.

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Look at the tourbillon

Its 3 dimensional aspect looks like there is no sapphire glass above the dial. The omnipresent perlage, delimited by the anglages, and all these nicely chiseled parts give a lot of class, distinction and elegance to this very special Gyrotourbillon I.

Not convinced, yet Well, let me share with you this Macro, on this stunning artistic composition...
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The case back is not very different from the former Gyrotourbillon I, you will recognize it much more easily than the dial side. It offers a nice view on the Gyro Tourbillon, and all its components and complications, as well as on the 2 transparent sapphire winding barrels allowing a power reserve of 8 days.

The bad point?

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A last macro picture, to dive into the movement: This Hybris Gyrotourbillon is only available in a limited edition of 30 pieces, and can't be separately sold, so you have to also buy the Grande Sonnerie and the Triptyque...So, it may remain a Dream Watch, an unaffordable one.
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Since the earliest days of timekeeping, watchmakers have been struggling to create precise timekeepers. For 200 years now the tourbillon, a constantly rotating cage that carries the escapement and eliminates the errors of rate in the vertical positions of a watch, represents the epitome of precision in a mechanical watch. Originally developed for pocket watches, its meaning in a wristwatch is limited to two dimensions. Consequently the watchmakers of Jaeger-LeCoultre invented the Gyrotourbillon I, first shown in 2004. Its Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 177 incorporates a tourbillon with two cages that rotate around two axes, compensating the influx of gravity on the balance in all three dimensions. On its newly designed skeletonized white gold and titanium dial, it also features a perpetual calendar with four retro - grade hands and an equation of time with a new sun-design that can be adjusted by the watchmakers to any place in the world. Two winding barrels made of transparent sapphire deliver an astonishing eight days of power reserve. Movement: * Mechanical manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 177 * Diameter 36.3 mm * Thickness 10.85 mm * Parts: 679 * Jewels: 77 * Barrel: 2 with sapphire crystal lid and base * Number of functions: 10 * Power reserve: 8 days Spherical tourbillon: * Balance: monometallic in 14-carat gold with eccentric 14 carat-gold setting inertia-blocks, inertia 12.5mg x cm2 * Balancespring: quality 1, freely oscillating Breguet type * Balance frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) * Diameter :13.86 mm * Weight: 0.336 grams * Parts:90 * Rotation speeds: exterior carriage in aluminum 1/minute; interior carriage in titanium and aluminum 2.5/min * Anti-shock devices: 6 Mechanical hand winding, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 177, 679 parts, diameter 36.3 millimeters, height 10.85 millimeters, 10 complications, winding Barrels made of Sapphire.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre : 177 Movement

Hand-winding Pieces number : 679 Vibrations per hour : 21600 Power-reserve : 8 Days Jewels : 117 Barrel : 2 Height : 10.84 mm Functions Hour - Minute Power-reserve Perpetual calendar Date Month Leap year Spherical tourbillon Equation of time Case : Platinum 950 Water resistance : 5 bar Dial : Ruthenium rhodium-plated, black numerals Hands Bton Strap/bracelet : Alligator Leather Buckle : Double Folding Buckle 18.0 mm

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Jaeger-LeCoultre - Hybris Mechanica Triptyque Reverso

It is the first timepiece that shows its information in three separate displays including the base of the case as well as the most complicated watch ever created in swivel-case of the Reverso. The manufacture has spent over six years to complete the research and development of this exceptional timepiece which features yellow gold plated inlays on the dial.
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The Hybris Mechanica Triptyque is the most complicated watch ever created in the famous swivel-case of the Reverso, as well as being the first one to show the information on three separate displays including the base of the case. Altogether19 complications are placed within the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 175: civil time, sidereal time, zodiacal calendar, a sky chart and an equation of time with sunrise-and sunset-times adjustable by the watchmakers to any place in the world. The carrier of the case also features a perpetual calendar with retrograde date and moon phase, connected to the movement with a patented transmission system that activates the calendar precisely at midnight. This information is placed on a newly designed dial with yellow gold plated inlays. The manually-wound movement also features for the very first time a tourbillon equipped with the new ellipse isometer escapement outfitted with a specially developed platinum iridium balance. This exceptional timepiece alone represents the culmination of over six years of research and development conducted within the manufacture.

As you can see the difference is subtle, the only change is about the yellow gold inlay, all around the minutes, 24 hours counters, and the Tourbillon, as well as around the quantieme perpetual data and the solar time. Subtle, certainly, but it gives an interesting contrast and depth to the 3 dials of this very special watch, which displays a superb map of the sky.
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Model: Hybris Mechanica Triptyque (Triology Part III) Reference: Q2323425 Case-Material: White Gold Case-Shape: Square Height: 55.00 mm Width: 37.70 mm Thickness: 17.90 mm Weight: 230.00 g Waterproof: 3 bar / 30 m Movement: Hand-wound Caliber: JLC 175 Caliber base: JLC 175 Moon phase: Yes Calendar: Yes Tourbillon: Yes Power reserve: Yes Date: Yes Civil Time Sidereal Time Zodiacal Calendar A Sky Chart Equation of time with sunrise and sunset times, adjustable by the watchmakers to any place in the world Perpetual calendar with retrograde date moon phase A tourbillon equipped with the new ellipse isometer escapement outfitted with a specially developed platinum-iridium balance.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica 55 - (Set of 3 Watches)

Free Full Size Safe

And finally, theres even more. Your collection of these three extremely expensive complication watches will arrive at absolutely no extra cost accompanied by the largest and heaviest presentation gift box ever devised a full size safe. I kid you not. Only 30 sets of these three remarkable watches will be available and each buyer will also get the full size safe in which to store his limited edition complications collection. Serious collectors who pay serious prices are certainly entitled. The entire collection of three watches arrives in a full safe which is possibly the largest (and heaviest) watch presentation box to date.

(Set of 3 Watches)

$ 2.5 Million
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Parmigiani Fleurier - Fibonacci pocket watch - $ 2.4 Million

Parmigiani Fibonacci Pocket Watch

In honor of the famous Italian mathematician named Leonardo Pisano Bigolo, who is also known as Fibonacci. Yes, that famous sequence of numbers was named after him. This new clock bears his nickname Fibonacci. The case is designed with an enameling of a lotus flower which is supposed to copy Fibonaccis Golden Ratio. It has taken three years to bring the perfection of this design to perfection, with the inner workings reflecting the awesome craft of Haute Horlogerie. The watch has complications such as a minute repeater, cathedral chimes, cathedral gongs (it chimes to tell the time) and a perpetual calendar. Furthermore, theres a lot of white gold, enamel figures and diamonds featured along with mother of global counters. Equipped with minute-repetition, an everlasting calendar and a mechanism to track the phases of the moon, state-of-the-art is perhaps an understatement.

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An elaborately engraved lily was selected by Parmigiani to ornament the face of the chronograph and filigree hand-engraving on the bridge augment the elegance. The Fibonacci pocket watch features mother-of-pearl counters and a white gold dial. The case is decorated with enameling of a lotus flower, designed to mimic Fibonacci's Golden Rule, represented by the snail shapea theme continuously used in the watchmaker's other designs. The piece is available by special order from the Parmigiani Fleurier manufacturers, and the process can take up to two years. Michel Parmigiani
founded the company in 1975 in Fleurier, Switzerland.

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Patek Philippe Pink Gold 1968 - Ref 3448 $ 2,338,286

Patek Philippe Pink Gold 1968 - Ref 3448 Calendar / Moon Phases

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MasterGraff Skeleton Tourbillion Limited Edition - $ 2.3 Million

The MasterGraff Skeleton Limited Edition a $2 million timepiece designed by Graffs CEO of luxury watches, Michel Pitteloud, is a masterpiece of both jeweling and watchmaking. The MasterGraff case, formed in an angular shape that simulates the crown facets of a brilliant diamond, is set with triangular and trapezoidal baguette diamonds. The case lugs and buckle receive similar treatment, bringing the watchs total weight of diamonds to more than 21 carats. More impressive than the heft of the stones is the visual effect they create, reflecting light while also seemingly providing windows onto a custom version of the Concepto tourbillon movement. The standard Concepto is one of the most aesthetically pleasing calibers; this version incorporates plates and bridges made of transparent synthetic sapphire. Graff will produce10 examples of the watch, five made of rose gold (shown) and five of white gold.

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The hand wound movement with 72 hour power reserve and tourbillon is housed within a 48 mm facetted case. Comprising 164 diamonds, totaling over 21 carats, the movement can only be cased once all the diamonds are in place, and no adjustments can be made thereafter to avoid any risk of damaging the diamonds. The perfect transparency created by the absence of a dial, along with the diamond case enclosed by sapphire crystals ensures breathtaking panoramic views of the subtle inner workings of the watch, Graff said. Even winding becomes a show in its own right, since the effect of this operation on the barrels can be viewed in every subtle detail through the case-back. The MasterGraff Skeleton is issued in two limited series of just 10 each in rose or white gold both fitted with a black alligator leather strap secured by an exclusive Graff folding clasp.

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An exuberant piece it should interest those partial to watches that glimmer and those with limitless coffers. The watch resembles a celebration of the diamond. Not only is it covered with them, but even the case mimics the shape of one. The overall effect it creates is one of a dazzling radiance, and probably best appreciated by viewing the video below. Almost every area has been adorned with triangular and trapezoidal baguette diamonds, even including the case lugs and buckle, 164 in total. It must be like having a diamond jamboree on your wrist. To further enhance the effect of luminescence thats been created, the plates and bridges have been made of transparent synthetic sapphire. Graff will produce 10 versions of the watch five in rose gold and five of white gold. The hand-wound movement with 72 hour power reserve and tourbillon is housed within a 48mm facetted case that is the ultimate expression of Graff's expertise. Comprising of 164 diamonds, totaling over 21 carats, the technical knowledge involved in such a construction is astonishing since the movement can only be cased once all the diamonds are in place, and no adjustments can be made thereafter. The perfect transparency created by the absence of a dial, along with the diamond case enclosed by sapphire crystals ensures breathtaking panoramic views of the subtle inner workings of the watch. The MasterGraff Skeleton Limited Edition is issued in two limited series of just 5 each in rose and white gold Both fitted with an alligator leather strap secured by an exclusive Graff folding clasp.

Specification
Case: White Gold/Rose Gold Bracelet strap: Leather Size: 48.0 mm Waterproofness: 30 m Movement: Manual-winding mechanical Power reserve : 72 h , Skeleton Functions: Hours, Minutes, Tourbillon Reference: MGS48WGD Collection: MasterGraff Year: 2011 Limited Edition

$2,300,000

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Patek Philippe Pink Gold Pocket Watch 1894 - $ 2.29 Million

Unique 1894 Pink Gold 24 Hour Repeater 60MM Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Sold in Switzerland for $2.29 Million

Patek Philippe Pocket watch

Antiquorum successfully auctioned this amazing complicated Patek Philippe pocket watch for $2.29 Million. This 120 years old beauty was originally sold in 1894 for 3750 Swiss Francs. Notice there is no Patek Philippe designation on the dial. This watch is unusual in that it has a 24 hour train dial, meaning it keeps 24 hour GMT time, as opposed to the standard 12 hour time.

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Patek Philippe Ref 2499 First Series - 1957 - $2.28 Million

First series made from 1951 to 1956. The basic characteristics include rectangular chronograph buttons and partially recessed crown. There are other features, such as a tachometer scale, applied raised Arabic hours and feuille (leaf-shaped) hands. There are a few known exceptions, such as dials with bton indexes and a dial without a tachometer scale. This series can be subdivided into two groups: one with oval edge backs and one with so-called flat backs, where the transition from the bezel to the back is sharp at least 14 like this are known. It was the second most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch of the time the most complicated being Reference 2571, which featured a split-second chronograph.
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Patek Philippe Reference 2499 First Series - 1957

This series ran parallel to Reference 1518, which was also made with rectangular pushbuttons. When Reference 1518 ceased production in 1956, the first series of Reference 2499 did also. It might just be a rare one like this reference 2499 limited edition of only five pieces. This one is way nicer looking. The gold embellishment makes it look really sharp. This one is definitely an investment from this company, rather than the stainless steel one. Ref. 2499, Yellow Gold, First Series Patek Philippe, Genve, No. 868537, case No. 691604. Made in 1956. Exceptional and extremely rare 18K yellow gold wristwatch with square button chronograph, 30-minute register, perpetual calendar, moon phases, special tachometer dial and an 18K yellow gold buckle. Accompanied by an additional Patek Philippe 18K yellow gold link bracelet, fitted box and the Extract from the Archives. C. Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, concave bezel, fluted lugs, domed crystal. D. Matte silver with applied yellow gold faceted baton indexes, outer minute track with concentric fifths of a second divisions, Arabic five minute/second numerals, outermost tachometer scale, subsidiary dials for the seconds and the 30-minute register, graduation for the date at 6, apertures for the days of the week, the months and the moon phases. Yellow gold dauphine hands. M. Cal. 13''', stamped twice with the Seal of Geneva Quality Mark, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 23 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with 8 adjustments, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, spring-loaded micrometric regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. / Thickness 14.5 mm.
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Patek Philippe Ref 1591 - $ 2.24 Million

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar - 35mm

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., GENEVE, REF. 1591, MOVEMENT NO. 864'470, CASE NO. 635'565, MANUFACTURED IN 1944 Patek Philippe. An extremely important and unique stainless steel waterresistant perpetual calendar wristwatch with indirect sweep centre seconds, phases of the moon and luminous indexes. Signed Patek Philippe & Co., Genve, ref. 1591, movement no. 864'470, case no. 635'565.
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Cal. 12'''120 SC Q nickel-finished lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 20 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance, the silvered dial with luminous Arabic numerals, luminous hands, indirect sweep centre seconds, two windows for day and month, subsidiary dial combining date and phases of the moon, in circular water-resistant-type case with screw back, contemporary stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed 35 mm. diam.

Although it was made in 1944, the public did not know that this Patek Philippe stainless steel wristwatch existed until 1996, when it was first offered at auction. According to lore, this watch belonged to a maharajah who wore it when playing polo. It was then given as a present to the man in charge of organizing the maharajah's wedding. It's believed to be the only stainless steel model 1591 ever made, and one of only two examples of this model known to exist to date. It holds the world record for any stainless steel wristwatch sold at auction. This one-of-a-kind stainless steel 1944 Patek Philippe Reference 1591. This unique watch is now on permanent display in Geneva in the Patek Philippe Museum.
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Lot Notes
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and luminous numerals in 1944 and its subsequent sale on 27 November 1944. This watch was unknown to literature and the market until 1996 when first offered at auction. Not only was it a sensation to scholars and collectors of rare Patek Philippe wristwatches, it also brke the then world-record for any stainless steel wristwatch ever sold at auction. According to tradition, this watch was the pride of a Maharaja who enjoyed wearing the robust timepiece occasionally when playing polo. It was then given as a present to the man in charge of organizing the Maharaja's wedding. This information is supported by the fact that the watch was retailed by Favre-Leuba, Patek Philippe's agent for India at the time of its manufacture. This watch is believed to be the only stainless steel reference 1591 ever made and one of only two examples of this model known to exist to date; the second example is cased in yellow gold. Reference 1591 was the first centre seconds perpetual calendar wristwatch with water-resistant case ever made by Patek Philippe, rendering it the direct predecessor of the celebrated reference 2438/1. Interestingly, the present watch was eight years ahead of its nearest follower: it was only in 1951 that Patek Philippe started regular production of wristwatches with perpetual calendar and centre seconds, reference 2497, and another year later with screw-back case, reference 2438/1. The bauche of the movement is based on Victorin Piguet's distinguished calibre 12''' S.C. with indirect centre seconds to which the perpetual calendar mechanism was added. At the time of production, the official designation for this movement was 12''' SC Q (seconde au centre quantime or centre seconds perpetual), still today a unique specification, which leads to the conclusion that the two movements were custom-made just for these two watches. Although early scholarship suspected that 12 examples of reference 1591 were made as of 1944, extensive research has resulted in the discovery of only these two examples, furthermore featuring consecutive movement numbers 864'470 (the present watch) and 864'471, both made in 1944. The movement numbers preceding and succeeding these two numbers do not match the specifications and it can therefore be safely assumed that the manufacture of reference 1591 remained at the experimental stage of only two examples. The present watch is most certainly the only stainless steel perpetual calendar wristwatch by Patek Philippe ever cased in a water-proof case. In fact, the case of this watch is genetically clearly associated with the famous reference 1463 the only chronograph with screw-back case ever made by the Geneva firm. It features the same diameter and shape and its association becomes evident when comparing the shape of the lugs. Ref. 1591, also fitted with an inner softiron cap protecting the movement from magnetic fields, is slightly thicker, due to the higher construction of the movement. The luminous numerals, confirmed by the Extract of Patek Philippe's archives, are closely associated to military and explorer's watches - as are the centre seconds.
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Patek Philippe's production of stainless steel watches was always extremely limited, for obvious reasons. Wristwatches with perpetual calendar in stainless steel are virtually unknown and today only six examples are known to the market: Four references 1518 (perpetual calendar with chronograph), one reference 1526 (perpetual calendar with subsidiary seconds) and one ref 1591 - the present watch. They all represent the ultimate value in collecting wristwatches, from a historical, esthetical and technical standpoint. The present watch is a mile-stone in the history of complicated wristwatches by Patek Philippe and must be considered one of the finest and rarest trophie s for the discerning collector to appear in public to date.

This one-of-a-kind stainless steel 1944 Patek Philippe Reference 1591 was sold in Nov 2007 at a Christie's auction for $2,240,714.
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Patek Philippe Rare Platinum Chronograph1946 Ref 1579 - $ 2,213,454

A rare platinum chronograph Ref. 1579, manufactured in 1946.

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., GENVE, REF. 1579, MOVEMENT NO. 863'875, CASE NO. 645'564, MANUFACTURED IN 1946

Patek Philippe. An extremely fine and rare platinum chronograph wristwatch Signed Patek Philippe & Co., Genve, ref. 1579, movement no. 863'875, case no. 645'564, manufactured in 1946.
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Description
Cal. 13''' nickel-finished lever movement, 23 jewels, micrometer regulator, silvered matte dial, baton and applied Arabic numerals, outer five minute divisions and tachymeter scale, two subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minutes register, large circular case, downturned angular or "spider" lugs, snap on back engraved David J. Paper, platinum Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed. 36 mm. diam. At the periphery of the dial is located a tachometer scale, two counters are located at the chronological markers 3 and 9 o'clock. The control chronograph buttons are integrated into the case in the direction of "2 and 4 oclock." Hands and hour markers 6 and 12 are made of gold. The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all chronographs functions are working. The original dial with some moisture spotting, though the writing and scales, minute divisions and tachymeter scale are very clear. The case with only a few small surface scratches on the back and left side, otherwise with few signs of wear and no signs of inappropriate polishing, the hallmark on the underside of the lower right leg is very crisp. The lugs still retain their good proportions and facets. The unsigned leather strap is like new. Patek Philippe ref. 1579 was established in 1946 in the amount of only three items. To tell the truth, ref. 1579 is a unique model in the constellation of chronographs by Patek Philippe.
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Lot Notes
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with silvered dial and raised hour markers in gold in 1946 and its subsequent sale on 3 April 1947. Reference 1579 takes a unique position in Patek Philippe's production of vintage chronograph wristwatches as it is not only one of the largest models with a diameter of 36 mm. but also the only example with the highly attractive facetted lugs. Launched in 1943, the model was predominantly available in yellow and pink gold, few examples were cased in stainless steel. The reference 1579 offered here for sale featuring a platinum case is without a doubt the version with the most evident gravitas. In fact, only three examples cased in this noble metal are known to exist today, interestingly bearing the consecutive case numbers 645'564, 645'565 and 645'566, the present being the first model from this extraordinarily small series. One may safely conclude that these three chronographs were the only ever references 1579 cased in platinum, based on statistic calculations. More importantly, in the history of Patek Philippe's four decades spanning production of wristwatch chronographs with caliber 13'''130, no other reference has received the honors to be finished in the most costly case material, platinum. It is unknown why Patek Philippe dared, closely following the end of WW II, to produce an extremely limited run of three platinum cased chronographs but one can assume it was rather to impress the public with its savoir-faire than by special order. As a matter of fact, the sale dates of the three watches spread over nearly two years (who would want to wait so long for such an extraordinary piece). On top of that, close examination reveals that all the three known references 1579 in platinum are fitted with different dials: case no. 645'564 with an "American" dial calibrated in miles and the tachometer scale with the speed numbers "sitting" on the scale case no. 645'565 with a "European" dial highlighted by prominent comma markings on the right half of the tachometer scale in-between the numbers case no. 645'566 with a very different dial design where the tachometer scale is nearer to the inner fifths of a second ring, allowing to place the numbers ranging from 900 to 130 vertically pointing towards the centre and, to balance the dial, with enlarged numbers "looking" towards the centre going from 120 to 60. Very much to the spoilt eye's delight, this "icy beauty" is blessed with a matte silver-coloured dial, perfectly harmonizing with the platinum case. The signature, hour markers and scales are finished in black hard enamel and are raised to an extent that any cosmetical enhancement can be excluded. The case, highly sensible to inappropriate polishing, has maintained well-defined facets and angles to the lugs. Few 1940s designs radiate so much masculinity yet flamboyance and elegance and even fewer examples preserved in such good condition can offer so much quality to a discerning collector as the present "spider lug" reference 1579.
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Patek Philippe Ref 3939 - $ 1.91 million

Patek Philippe $1.91 million at Charity Auction

Winning bid: $1.91 million The original estimated price for the watch was around 1/3rd of the winning bid, but the high demand ensured the price to reach such a high level. The Ref 3939 unlike some of its competition did not have a precious metallic body but is actually a triple bodied stainless steel timepiece. The movement was the caliber RTO 27 PS and was hand-wound based for its power, which could be done with the help of the embezzled crown on the side with the company logo. The watch also had sapphire crystal case covering on its dial, and case back, which was exposed to show the complicated functioning inside. The dial was rather simplistic with black enameling as the base, and white gold roman numerals and markings to display the minutes, hours and seconds.
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Patek Phillipe Grande Complication Pocket Watch - $1,980,200

Grande Complication Pocket Watch

Before Patek Philippe made the Supercomplication for Henry Graves Jr., the Swiss watchmaker created this 18-karat gold open-face pocket watch for the banker in 1926. It had 12 complications aside from timekeeping, including a dual-train repeating chime, perpetual calendar, split-second chronograph, phases of the moon, and a so-called "keyless" wind. When it was auctioned in November 2005 in Geneva, it was the most expensive watch that Christie's had ever sold at the time.
Christie's Nov. 14, 2005

$1,980,200
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Patek Philippe Grogan Wristwatch - $ 1,945,040

Patek Philippe Grogan Wristwatch

This gold Patek Philippe watch was made specifically for a left-handed wearer in 1925 and features a single-button, split-second chronograph. When Christie's sold it in November 2006 in Geneva, it commanded the third-highest price ever paid for a wristwatch up to that time.

Christie's Nov. 13, 2006

$1,945,040
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Patek Philippe Officier1923 - $1,918,387

Patek Philippe Officer 1923

Sold at Antiquorum in 1999 This is a one-of-a-kind Patek Philippe wristwatch, featuring 18-karat yellow-gold, a chronograph and a 60-minute register.

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Vacheron Constantin - J W Packard 1918 - $1.8 Million

Vacheron Constantin - James Ward Packard Collection 1918

Grand Complication pockets watch in 20-carat gold by Vacheron Constantin that belonged to famed collector James Ward Packard brought $1,800,000 at Christies New York auction. Bidders from around the world displayed keen interest, driving the price to an absolute record for Vacheron Constantin in the U.S. market. Packard was one of the first U.S. collectors to work directly with the Geneva-based watch manufacturer to build up a collection of unique timepieces. The watch, in addition to displaying the hours, minutes and seconds beneath a rock crystal glass, features a personalized combination of complications including hour, minute, quarter and half-quarter repeating, grande and petite sonnerie, as well as a 30-minute chronograph register. The back of the piece features a JWP monogram on blue enamel, executed in Geneva following a sketch made by Packard himself. The dust cover bears the inscription Fabrique pour James Ward Packard, Warren Ohio, 1918, par Vacheron & Constantin Geneve Suisse. This elegant timepiece is in impeccable condition, having been preserved in the safe of a bank where it had remained untouched for the past 60 years.
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Christies description read as follows: Signed Vacheron & Constantin, Geneve, Suisse, Movement No. 37555, Case No. 231922, made for James Ward Packard in 1918. Nickel-finished two-train lever movement, 43 jewels, wolfs tooth winding, bi-metallic compensation balance, micrometer regulator, trip minute repeating on two gongs activated through the pendant, three levers in the band for lock/unlock of chronograph function, grande/petite sonnerie and strike/ silent, gold cuvette inscribed FABRIQU POUR James Ward Packard, Warren, Ohio, 1918 PAR VACHERON & CONSTANTIN, GENVE SUISSE, white enamel dial, Roman numerals, two subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds and 30 minute register, heavy and finely chased case, turning pendant and bow, five-joint knuckle, case back with engine-turned center framing the blue enameled monogram JWP, case, cuvette, dial and movement signed. 57mm diameter.

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Blancpain Tourbillion Diamant - $1.8 Million

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The latest creation from Blancpain is absolutely stuffed with diamonds. The Tourbillon Diamants has 480 diamonds for a total of 58 carats on the dial bezel, case middle, lugs, and bracelet. Which sparkles with a brick-like arrangement of baguette diamonds? The watch uses the Blancpain Calibre 25A movement, a mechanical self-winding movement made of 239 parts with a seven-day power reserve. The 40mm white gold case is water resistant. The white gold bracelet is set with 42 carats of diamonds. It is self-winding and has an exceptionally long power reserve: seven days. The case is waterresistant to a depth of 100 meters. This one of-a-kind piece, available by contacting Blancpains headquarters in Paudex, Switzerland.

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Patek Philippe Tourbillon Pocket Watch - $ 1.779 Million

Patek Philippe Tourbillon Pocket Watch

Christie's auctioned this platinum Patek Philippe open-face tourbillon pocket watch in May 2004 in Geneva for nearly $1.78 million. It contains a Guillaume balance, an invention by Swiss physicist Charles Edouard Guillaume that eliminated timekeeping errors due to temperature fluctuations. The watch took first place in the annual precision timing contest for 1930-1931 and received a "First Class Bulletin" from the Astronomical Observatory of Geneva. In 1931, it was delivered to Tiffany & Co. (TIF) in New York, where collector Henry Graves Jr. acquired it. The same timepiece fetched $453,500 when Sotheby's auctioned it in 1999.

Christie's May 18, 2004

$1,779,080
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Patek Philippe Single- Button Chronograph - $ 1.773 Million

Patek Philippe Single- Button Chronograph

Sotheby's sold this extra-large Patek Philippe wristwatch for more than $1.77 million in November 2006 in Geneva. It features a single-button chronograph, register, stop slide, and tachometer.

Sothebys Sale date: Nov. 14, 2006

$1,773,206

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Patek Philippe Pilot Watch $1.7 million

Patek Philippe Pilot Watch

The Pilot watch stood out for the distinct size of 55 mm dial, which made the timepiece stand out from anything from that generation that made watches in smaller sizes. Created in 1936 on special request, it was a revolution considering this very size of the dial. The casing was created from chrome and nickel, with a black lacquer dial, carved scales with off-white varnish, Arabic numeral markings and special angular time display, aided by the unique working mechanism of the hands on the dial.

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Price: $1.7 million

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Patek Philippe Rare 1961 Ref 3449 - $ 1,562,271

Patek Philippe Rare 1961 Ref 3449 Perpetual Calendar with Moon phases Patek Philippe rare 18K gold manually-wound perpetual calendar with moon phases, ref. 3449 manufactured in 1961 18K Gold

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Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Wristwatch - $1.55 Million

Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Wristwatch

This yellow gold Patek Philippe wristwatch features an automatic perpetual calendar with leap-year indication instead of moon phases. Sotheby's auctioned it in November 2008 in Geneva for $1.55 million. Sotheby's Nov. 16, 2008

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Patek Philippe Platinum Wristwatch - $1.54 Million

Patek Philippe Platinum Wristwatch

Part of a collection called "69 Exceptional 20th Century Watches," offered by Sotheby's in May 2003, this rare platinum Patek Philippe wristwatch has a two-one dial, simple calendar, and moon phases at 12 o'clock.

Sotheby's May 13, 2003

$1,548,840

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Patek Philippe Double-Faced Pocket Watch - $1.541 Million

Double-Faced Pocket Watch

Custom-made by Patek Philippe in 1914 for George Thompson, an AngloAmerican banker, entrepreneur, and owner of the St. Paul Dispatch & Pioneer Press, this two-sided watch fetched $1.54 million when Sotheby's sold it in May 2006. Among other features, the open-faced watch has a minute-repeating perpetual calendar, split-second chronograph, register, and keyless wind.

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$1,541,212 / Sotheby's / May 16, 2006

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Vacheron Constantin Tour de lle $ 1.5 Million

The Tour d'Ille won the L'Aiguille d'Or, top honors at the 2005 Grand Prix d' Horlogerie de Genve. The watch also bears the Geneva quality hallmark. It is named for an historical site of Vacheron Constantin located next to the current Maison Vacheron Constantin on the Quai de l'Ile. The watch bears a secret Signature at 12 o'clock (1755 - 2005). The winding stem has 2 positions. The second time-zone & moon-phase are adjusted using 2 correctors housed along the case. The perpetual calendar is adjusted using 3 correctors housed along the case. The sidereal disc is adjusted using a lockable push-button and crown. The worlds most complicated double-face watch, produced in a limited edition of 7 Tour de lIle is the most complicated watch ever made, with a totally original combination of horological complications and astronomical indications composing a list of sixteen different points including a minute repeater, sunset time, perpetual calendar, second time zone, a tourbillon device, the equation of time and the representation of the night sky This exceptional calibre composed of 834 parts called for over 10,000 hours of research and development lavished on it by the designers, engineers and watchmakers of Vacheron Constantin. Its name refers to one of the historical sites of the venerable company, located next to the current Maison Vacheron Constantin on the Quai de lIle.

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This piece features a one-of-a-kind hand-guilloch motif on the back dial, guaranteeing its authenticity and uniqueness - none of the 7 pieces have the same guilloche pattern.

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Vacheron Constantin Tour de lIle by - $1.5 million Tour de lIleis the most complicated wristwatch was made by Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin. This watch is so complex that it requires 10,000 hours to create a single one and prices up to $1.5 million. This watch is named after the historical place Quai de lIle next to the mansion of Vacheron Constantin. This is a limited edition watch so its seven pieces are only made. This is the only historical watch which is more complicated because of its double-face provided in the watch. This watch not only shows us time but it also includes features like a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, a tourbillion device, sunset time, second time zone, representation of night sky and the equation of time. Calibre 2750 834 components More than 10,000 hours of R & D Power Reserve second time zone Moon Phases Age of the moon Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Sunrise Sunset Celestial chart Self-winding movement Frequency: 2,5Hz (18 000 A/h) Power Reserve: 58 hours Empierrage: 39 rubies Diameter of case: 35.40mm Total diameter: 36.0mm Total thickness: 11.25mm Material: gold (5N) 18K 750 Sapphire Glass anti-reflective coating Dust resistant Valued at : $ 1,500,000.00

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Master Graff Tourbillion - $1.5 million

Laurence Graffs diamond empire is vertically integrated from the network of more than 30 stores, through London workshops to industrial production in South Africa. Given all that, it was no surprise that Graffs first watch collection is not just all about the diamond, but is topped by what is possibly the most expensively made diamond watch in existence. Subtle is not the first adjective to come to mind on seeing the Master Graff Tourbillon. Nevertheless, this is a watch that conceals almost as much as it shows. The complexity of sourcing and cutting the stones to fit the dial is breathtaking when set out in raw figures, let alone seeing the detail of the finished watch. According to Michael Pitteland, CEO of Graff Luxury Watches, the 34 carats of diamonds visible on the watch conceal the enormous wastage needed to achieve the end result.

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DeLaneau Open Magic Watch - $ 1.5 million

Open Magic WG120

Delaneau Open Magic comes in 2 different materials, Gold & Platinum Ultra feminine and ultra-refined designs have since the brands inception in 1949 set the paradigm of DeLaneaus identity. Perpetuating this heritage, the Open Magic collection is a blazing illustration of the brands savvy talent in creating genuinely original and modern timepieces. Just one look at these new wristwatches and ones heart is conquered by their distinctively recognizable shape. Truly original, the Open Magic collection masterfully plays with shapes. The case of the new Delaneau watch is illuminated by the play of 54 baguette diamonds and 164 brilliant-cut diamonds. It can be also highlighted by the sparkle of 148 or 252 brilliant-cut diamonds. The winding crown at 6 oclock is plain or paved with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds. Housed in the case is a mother-of-pearl dial with 8 inlaid triangular patterns in onyx. Alternatively, the display can be performed in onyx with 8 inlaid triangular patterns in mother-of-pearl. It is embellished with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds, acting as hour-markers.

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The face of the new Delaneau Open Magic watch whispers the time through central hours and minutes. Driving the functions is an automatic mechanical movement. A special attention getter of the new Delaneau ladys watch is a unique lugs system. It features a gold coil, attached to a satin strap, doubled on the other hand. The strap is finalized by a red or white gold clasp, paved with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds. The Open Magic watch comes in a few styles. The main designer elements include the unique strap and lugs system. A gold coil connects to the satin strap that on the other end has double straps. The attractive case is almost Bell Epoque and art deco in style. The watch dial itself is done in black onyx with triangular segments in mother-of-pearl (or vice versa). It has dauphine style hands and diamond hour markers. Diamond are found all over the bezel and case - with varying amounts of stones available as the Open Magic watch is offered with about 1.56 carats of diamonds to 5 carats of diamonds. Inside the watch is a Swiss mechanical movement.

Really a stunning item and worthy of the Delaneau name.

Open Magic RG104

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DeLaneau Open Magic Watch

Technical information

Open Magic WG120

Movement: automatic mechanical Case: set with 54 baguette diamonds and 164 brilliant-cut diamonds Dial: mother-of-pearl with 8 in laid triangular patterns in onyx. Index with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds Crown: set with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds Attachment: set with 468 brilliant-cut diamonds final link set with 9 baguette diamonds and 34 brilliant-cut diamonds Bracelet: leather strap with white gold clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds Carats: in total 5 cuts

Open Magic RG001

Movement: automatic mechanical Case: set with 148 brilliant-cut diamonds Dial: onyx with 8 in laid triangular patterns in mother-of-pearl. Index with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds Attachment: final link set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds Bracelet: leather strap with red gold clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds Carats: in total 1.56 cuts

Open Magic RG104

Movement: automatic mechanical Case: set with 252 brilliant-cut diamonds Dial: mother-of-pearl with 8 in laid triangular patterns in onyx. Index with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds Crown: set with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds Attachment: final link set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds Bracelet: leather strap with red gold clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds Carats: in total 2.93 cts

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Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref 5002 - $1.5 Million

Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002 Price: $ 1.2 million This version of the Sky Moon Tourbillon is the exact cousin of the 5002P, with the main differentiation being the use of gold in this version, with 3 options to choose from; white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. Other features include the 686 total components, some of them being microscopic in size, apart from the special Caliber R TO27 QR SID LUCL, minute repeater with tourbillon movement, chime with cathedral gongs, 9 hands in all, moon phase indicator, day, month and leap year dials, on the main opaline white dial with embossed Calatrava cross motif and gold applied roman numerals. The watch is also humidity and dust proof, no water proof.
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Patek Philippe Pink Gold Wristwatch - $1.41 Million

Patek Philippe Pink Gold Wristwatch

This exceptional and very rare pink gold Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatch, made in 1951, features moon phases and a tachometer. Sotheby's sold it in November 2008 in Geneva for more than $1.4 million.

Sotheby's Nov. 16, 2008

$1,413,263

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Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref 5002P - $ 1.4 Million

The rarest complications united in a wristwatch, Patek Philippe unveiled the Star Calibre 2000, one of the most complicated pocket watches of all times. Barely six months later, the Geneva workshops introduced another Grand Complication - in a wristwatch format. The "Sky Moon Tourbillon" Ref. 5002 is the first double-faced wristwatch that features a complete presentation of the nocturnal sky on its reverse side. The masterpiece displays the apparent movements of the stars, the orbit of the moon, the moon phases, as well as the hours and minutes in sidereal time.
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As was already the case with the Star Caliber 2000, Patek Philippe's goal in the development of the "Sky Moon Tourbillon" was not so much the number of complications per se. The real objective was to accommodate the most fascinating complications in the small case of a wristwatch: a perpetual calendar with a retrograde date display, a minute repeater, a tourbillon, the display of sidereal time, and a depiction of the nocturnal sky with the motion of the stars, the orbit of the moon, and the moon phases. This turned out to be a formidable challenge because a chart of the heavenly canopy (as seen in the northern or southern hemisphere) requires a certain minimum space to demonstrate the movements of the stars in a sensible and clearly legible manner. The solution adopted by Patek Philippe was borrowed from the astronomical pocket watches made by the company: a moving sky chart on the reverse side of the timepiece. The mechanical module developed by Patek Philippe for the "Star Calibre 2000" was redesigned especially for the "Sky Moon Tourbillon" and was granted Swiss patent CH 688 171 B5. The acoustic indication of hours, quarter-hours, and minutes is and undoubtedly remains one of the most spectacular functions that a wristwatch can possess. When the slide on the left of the case is activated, the repeater first strikes the number of hours on a low-tone gong, followed by the quarter-hours with double strikes on the low-tone and a higher-tone gong, and finally by the number of minutes which have elapsed since the last quarter-hour on the highertone gong. In the "Sky Moon Tourbillon", this chime is implemented in a rare and fascinating manner. In the comparatively small volume of a wristwatch, it is extremely difficult to generate a clear and rich-sounding tone. A few years ago, after intensive collaboration with metallurgists of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Patek Philippe succeeded in developing an alloy for gongs that create a particularly resonant sound. In the meantime, this alloy has been refined, making it possible to produce a special gong that can be more than one case circumference long. It is called "cathedral gong" because it renders the hour strike with a rich, full-bodied tone that like the bells in a cathedral reverberates for a particularly long period of time. Every mechanical watch with a balance wheel has a so-called positional error when held vertically, because the centre of gravity of the balance spring is then outside of its axis of rotation. This error can be compensated with a tourbillon, a rotating carriage which incorporates the escapement, balance wheel, and balance spring, and as a rule turns about its own axis once per minute. Due to this rotary motion, the centre of gravity of the balance spring also rotates about the balance axis once per minute and thus automatically compensates the positional error. In the Ref. 5002, the tourbillon, the balance wheel, and the fourth wheel are located on one axis. This configuration is particularly difficult to implement, but it best exploits the principle of the tourbillon. The tourbillon in the Ref. 5002 is quite amazing: Crafted from steel, the tiny mechanism is composed of no less than 69 individual parts, yet it weighs a scant 0.3 grams this suggests how microscopically small and filigreed the individual components must be. The perpetual calendars of Patek Philippe are legendary. This also applies to the Sky Moon Tourbillon, whose perpetual calendar has been refined with a date display that has an automatic fly back hand (retrograde date). It displays the date on a 270 arc on the dial. Every day, the date hand moves forward by one position and after the end of the month (the 28th, 29th, 30th, or 31st day)

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automatically jumps back to the beginning of the month scale. As opposed to conventional solutions with cams, this retrograde date is based on a patented ratchet wheel mechanism that features an extremely high degree of hand positioning accuracy. At the moment when the date hand leaps from the end to the beginning of the scale, the mechanism prevents it from inadvertently rebounding to the second or third day marker. Thus, when a new monthly cycle begins, the hand is instantly stopped and reliably retained at the position of the first day. The remaining displays of the perpetual calendar are indicated with four subsidiary dials: the days of the week at 9 o'clock, the leap year cycle at 12 o'clock, the month at 3 o'clock, and the moon age at 6 o'clock. All displays are perfectly harmonized and need not be corrected until the year 2100 provided the watch is regularly wound. A very unusual feature for a wristwatch can be seen on the reverse side of the "Sky Moon Tourbillon". The canopy of the northern (or on request of the southern) hemisphere rotates counter clockwise under the sapphire crystal case back, showing the motions of the stars and the moon, the meridian passages of Sirius and the moon as well as the waxing and waning moon phases. Additionally, two hands from the centre indicate sidereal time on a 24-hour scale. An elliptical contour indicates the portion of the nocturnal sky which can be viewed from a specific location. The breathtaking presentation conceals a module with a patented gear train never before built in this manner. With its celestial mechanism for the "Sky Moon Tourbillon," Patek Philippe has succeeded in achieving an unprecedented degree of precision in the display of astronomical indications. A lunar day is defined as the period of time which elapses between two consecutive passages of the moon across a certain meridian. On average, it is 24 hours, 50 minutes, and 28.328 seconds long. A lunation (the period between two consecutive full moons) lasts an average of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.82 seconds. A sidereal day is defined as the period of time between two consecutive passages of a fixed star (Sirius, for example) across certain meridian. Its duration averages 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09892 seconds in units of mean solar time. The geographical longitude of a specific location can be calculated with sidereal time. For the respective displays, these deviations from mean solar time require appropriate transmission ratios in the gear train that delivers the force from the barrel to the individual astronomical displays. Some of these ratios favor the accuracy of the moon phase display versus the sidereal day, others the accuracy of the sidereal day versus the motion of the moon, etc. Overall, more than 25 trillion possibilities of varying the reciprocal transmission ratios in the gear train were computed. From this staggering number, Patek Philippe has found the optimum variation that achieves the smallest possible error for all displays. The result of the theoretical calculations has surpassed all expectations: For a lunar day, the error is 0.05 seconds per day, 18.385 seconds per year, or 30 minutes and 38.5 seconds per century. For a sidereal day, the deviation is 0.088 seconds per sidereal day, 32.139 seconds per year or 53 minutes and 33.9 seconds per century. For the moon phases, the error is 6.51 seconds per lunation.

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The manually wound movement is masterpiece of precision engineering composed of a total of 694 individual parts, each meticulously finished by hand. The edges of all steel parts are beveled and each individual tooth of every single gear is hand polished in an additional process using a rotating hardwood disk. This degree of perfection is not an end in itself. Polishing reduces friction at the tooth contact surfaces, thus contributing significantly to the timekeeping precision and longevity for which Patek Philippe watches have a legendary reputation. The plate and the module with the perpetual calendar are finished on both sides with an engraving technique known as "perlage" or circular graining. The bridges are decorate with an engraving technique known as "vagues de Genve" or Geneva striping. Because of the painstaking processes and work-intensive steps needed to test timekeeping accuracy, it takes many months to complete one movement. The result is a flawless marvel of precision engineering worthy of the prestigious Geneva Seal embossed on its bridge, the highest official hallmark of quality awarded to mechanical timepieces. Each individual "Sky Moon Tourbillon" Ref. 5002 watch is delivered with a COSC chronometer certificate, as are all Patek Philippe tourbillon timepieces.

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The case in 18K yellow gold or solid platinum affords both aesthetic and effective protection of the "Sky Moon Tourbillon" movement. It looks gracious and elegant despite its sizable dimensions: 42.8 millimeters in diameter and 16.25 millimeters in height. The comparatively wide case is decorated with an engraving of halved Calatrava crosses. The crown at 4 o'clock is used to wind the movement and set the hands on the front side. The crown at 2 o'clock corrects the position of the sky chart and the hands that indicate sidereal time; turned in the other direction, it corrects the position of the moon and the moon phase display. The side of the case also accommodates a

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number of correction buttons which are activated with a setting stylus. The first button, between 11 and 12 o'clock, simultaneously corrects the date and the day of the week. The second one, between 3 and 4 o'clock, corrects the month. The third button, between 5 and 6 o'clock, corrects the moon age display, and the fourth one, between 6 and 7 o'clock, corrects the day of the week only. The slide which starts the minute repeater is recessed in the case on the left-hand side. The precious timepiece is worn with a hand stitched strap made of crocodile leather; the prong buckle is made of 18K yellow gold or platinum to match the case. The design of the dials on the front and reverse sides of the timepiece is a challenge in itself. A multitude of indications must be accommodated on comparatively small surfaces without compromising legibility and the harmony of the individual displays. The front dial is crafted from gold with a silvery opaline coating; at its periphery, the hours are represented by Roman numerals from I to XII. The retrograde date display is on an inner ring between 2 and 10 o'clock with a feuille hand made of blued steel. The minutes are indicated on a railway scale with a gold poire hand that matches the color of the case. The day of the week and the months are displayed with blued-steel poire hands on subsidiary dials at 9 and 3 o'clock, respectively. The leap-year cycle and the moon age are indicated with gold feuille hands on subsidiary dials at 12 and 6 o' clock. The moon symbols on the moon age display is made of yellow or white gold to match the case. The new moon symbol is black. The middle of the dial is decorated with a pattern composed of small Calatrava crosses. The rear dial showcases the astronomical functions. It has a 24-hour scale with Arabic numerals at its outermost periphery, used to indicate sidereal time with white, balanced poire hands. A blue sapphire crystal disc with 279 teeth rotates to track the angular motion of the moon and in a small round aperture shows the moon phases. The sky chart is on a separate, transparent sapphire crystal disc with 356 teeth. Both discs are protected by the sapphire crystal case back which on its inside bears the 24-hour sidereal dial and a golden ellipse framing the portion of the sky that is visible from a given location. The "Sky Moon Tourbillon" Ref. 5002 is the most complicated wristwatch in regular production by Patek Philippe. Because of its complexity and the great amount of time that must be dedicated to the many highly sophisticated production, assembly, and regulating steps, annual production is limited to only two watches. Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon is a very expensive watch because its made from 688 parts including super small size (microscopic) part. The case is made of platinum. It is produced in only 2 pieces a year, a series of platinum and another one is rose gold series.

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Napoleon Bonaparte Wifes Watch - $1.4 million

A watch that belonged to Empress Josephine, wife of 19th century French ruler Napoleon Bonaparte, has been sold for more than $1.4 million in Geneva.
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Christies auction house had estimated the watch, made in 1800 in gold and enamel and set with diamonds, at 200,000 Swiss francs ($201,000). The auction house did not reveal any information about the buyer. The watch is an example of the montre tact, or tactile watch style invented by Abraham Louis Breguet around 1790. In those days it was considered unseemly to consult the time in public. The system, with the watch hand on the outside of the case, helped wearers to tell the time by touch without taking the watch out of their pocket. Josephine ordered the watch in 1799 for 3,000 francs. The diamonds were added in 1804 shortly after Napoleon was crowned Emperor of France, and a crown motif was added to reflect Josephines new imperial status. She subsequently gave the watch to her daughter, Hortense, who married Napoleons brother, Joseph Bonaparte, in 1802. Hortense became Queen of Holland when Napoleon made his brother King in 1806. The watch was then engraved with a capital H.

Napoleon Bonaparte on a Zebra

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Blancpain Specialties Tourbillon Diamants Watch - $1,342,700

Blancpain Specialties Tourbillon Diamants timepieces nevertheless have a translation that is unmistakable. Certainly a specialty, production of the watch is limited, maybe even to one piece. Imagine the intense hours required simply to select the proper stones and then cut them. A close inspection of the dial, bezel, crown, and even the rear of the watch reveals a complex patterning of various baguette cut stones. Many of them (especially on the dial) are marginally tapered for an impressive sunburst array. There are even twelve conspicuous lines of diamonds formed on the dial to serve as hour markers. Diamonds are clearly the theme of this over-the-top luxury timepiecea theme that Blancpain takes with the utmost seriousness. Easy to miss, even the watch hands are covered in a speckling of diamonds. Imaging the level of sparkle that the Specialties Tourbillon Diamant gives off is an almost futile endeavor by just looking at an image of it alone. Such a presence of faceted diamonds would define light refraction as the infinite polished surfaces play with the light, evoking the natural sense of awe that comes from tightly grouping the most favored of all precious jewels. The sole detractor from the jewelry character of this timepiece is the large exposed flying tourbillion on the watch dial. It spins each 60 seconds, doubling as a subsidiary seconds indicator. The hand-made Blancpain caliber 25A movement features automatic winding and a very long 168 hour power reserve. Like most manufacture made movements, Blancpain emphasizes a view to the caliber through a transparent sapphire crystal on the rear of the watch unsurprisingly surrounded by more diamonds.

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While the count of over 20 carats of diamonds in the watch might convey that Blancpain is attempting to present this Specialties Tourbillon Diamants as merely a vehicle for diamond splendor, it is rather closer to a horological obligation. The high houses of watch making must continue to assert themselves mechanically as well as luxuriously. The classical definition of exclusively high-end items of desire is those which are the most covered in precious of materials. Blancpain here favors 18k white gold and a dizzying amount of diamonds being an obvious expression of this concept. It is then the responsibility of the brand to ensure its latest haute joaillerie offering is also aesthetically pleasing and awe inspiring. The privilege to call one yours comes with the approximate price of $1,342,700.

40mm wide 18k white gold watch case Flying tourbillion carriage window Caliber 25A in-house automatic movement visible through sapphire case back Reptile strap with matching 18k gold diamond covered buckle 164 baguette-cut diamonds on dial with total 20.14 carats of diamonds

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Piaget Altiplano Full Pave Dial Watch - $1.3 Million

Piaget Altiplano Full Pave Dial Watch

For a truly elegant watch you can always rely on the Piaget Altiplano.
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It looks good on both men and women, and comes in a variety of styles each in a thin, round case. For 2011 the Altiplano gets a full pave (diamond covered) dial with matching diamond covered bezel. The diamonds are brilliant-cut and applied in a concentric circle pattern. Depending on the model, the pieces will have between 574-735 diamonds on them. What are the two versions? Piaget offers the Altiplano Pave Dial watch in a 34mm wide or 38mm wide 18k gold case. The 34mm wide version is clearly a women's model, while the 38mm wide version is for either men or women. There are so many diamonds on the dial that the sheer level of the sparkle is almost distracting! Piaget even had to apply their logo on the bottom of the sapphire crystal as there was no room on the bejeweled face. Still, the dials are legible thanks to the white gold baton style hour markers and dauphine hour and minute hand. The design offers a pleasing mix of jewelry and minimalism. There are more diamonds on the buckle of the white or black alligator strap. As is the case with all Altiplano watches, this one is very thin. The Piaget made caliber 430P manually wound movement is just 2.1mm thick, and the case is not that much thicker. Showy, but still elegant, the Piaget Altiplano Pave Dial watch is a great item for special occasions or when you are try to be less than subtle on a first date. This slender time teller is perfect for both true lovers of masterful complications and those still trying to wean themselves off of a potentially debilitating dependency on crude displays of diamonds. Available in a 34mm wide (NOTE: For women.) or 38mm wide (NOTE: For men/or women) 18kt white gold case and haloed by brilliant-cut white diamonds, this watch is certainly not for the shy. However, Piaget (NOTE: Which, although founded in 1874 by Georges Edouard Piaget, has been actively perfecting the art of ultrathin timepieces since 1957.) manages to find a beautiful balance between flash and class with this celebrated model that is more beguiling than belligerent.

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Patek Philippe Platinum Open face One Minute Tourbillon $ 1,252,473

Patek Philippe - A Unique Platinum Open face One Minute Tourbillon

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Piaget Emperador Joaillerie watch $ 1,250,000

18K white gold / self-winding movement Piaget 551P / hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve display / full appearances diamonds 299 / sapphire crystal mirror / white alligator leather strap / 18K white gold pin buckle / reference price: NT $ 1,250,000 Superior mechanical process to make the Piaget in 2006 in Hong Tong Po Piaget tab for the blog in a professional, diligent and hard work are set out more than 130. The history of the brand to be proud of accumulation, to maintain modesty base and not arrogant, not a conservative brand of sharp into the spirit of the Swiss watch in high fashion style to create the unparalleled grid, has become a new pattern to create a forerunner of traditional watchmaking. The new R & D production of the new Piaget of movement in response to the establish the reputation of the Piaget of ultrathin movement origin, and to record the Piaget in the past history of the world record compliments! As representative of the traditional ultra-thin watch movement 9P and 12P, plant based on this, the Piaget is more developed historical mileage record Note the 430P, 500P and 551P movement, the development status of ultra-thin movement no doubt. Hong Bao Tong who watch the appreciation of love temple of the watch, the well-known friendly service and expertise, so that those who love to light watch song freely travel in the watch world, happily, the selection of treasures. At this time, coincides with the development of new watch season arrived in Taiwan, who is also tabulation and top professional jewelry design professionals Piaget watch, especially in the Hung Tong watch shop in Taipei held the first exhibition touring the new watch, welcome to appreciate!
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Vacheron Constantin King Farouk 1934 - $1.2 Million

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During a trip to Geneva in 1937 King Farouk of Egypt insisted on visiting the Vacheron Constantin manufactory, Charles Constantin acting as his guide on the tour confessed his surprise at the breadth of the young (17 at the time) prince's knowledge of watchmaking. "But Monsieur Constantin" he replied "I dismantled so many watches when I was a child...unfortunately for them...! Thank goodness that he did not dismantle the outstanding watch presented to him by the Genevan authorities during an official visit In 1935 (that makes him 15 at the time) This 80mm behemoth, which took over 6 years to manufacture, features 13 hands and the calibre has no less than 820 components. It was manufactured between1930 and 1935 and purchased by Boulent Raoul to be presented to King Farouk of Egypt.

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Even though it was presented to him as a gift, he ordered that the month indication should be changed to French from the original English, since it was so on his fathers watch!

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This watch remained in King Farouk's collection until 1954 when it was sold in the Cairo sale of the Palace Collection, it reappeared at auction in 1994 at the Antiquorum VC thematic auction (selling for an astounding CHF 1,155,000 - ) and has ever since remained in a private collection. The Fouad was until the launch of the Tour de lIle in 2005 the most complicated watch created by Vacheron Constantin and one of the all-time most complicated pocket watches ever made.

King Farouk - 12 complications - 1934

Minute repeater Grande Sonnerie Petite Sonnerie Split Seconds Chronograph Day Date Month Leap year indicator Perpetual Calendar Moonphase Alarm Power reserve for going train and sonnerie

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Concord C1 Eternal Gravity - $1.2 million

Concord might have dubbed this unique piece the Time Warp. Just looking at it transports me back a few years to those giddy days of carefree spending. Im going to go out on a limb and guess that the $1.2 million C1 Eternal Gravity was not created with the U.S. market in mind. As we all know, the watch words here (pun intended) are sensible, rational, and reasonably priced. Wherever you live, the one-of-a-kind C1 Eternal Gravity lays down some serious numbers. The case measures 48.5 mm in diameter and 18.5mm thick. The sapphire crystal is 3.3mm thick. Then there are the gemstones. The 18K white gold case is set with 227 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 20.17 carats. The dial adds a further 100 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 1.40 carats and 34 carnelians totaling 1.88 carats. The crown alone sports 26 baguette-cut diamonds weighing 1.30 carats. All together, the C1 Eternal Gravity puts an impressive 403 stones totaling 25.31 carats on your wrist. Inside the ice palace resides the hand-wound Caliber C100, originally presented in the C1 Tourbillon Gravity in early 2008. On board are a tourbillion, fly back chronograph, power reserve, and a trust index which, perhaps fortunately, has nothing to do with credit default swaps. Rather, it reports on the status of the balance wheels amplitude. The big show of course is the outboard-mounted vertical tourbillion, visible through a small picture window in the side of the case.
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Technical Specifications: Movement

Mechanical hand-wound, tourbillon, fly back chronograph, Caliber C100 84-hour power reserve 21,600 vph 38 jewels

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds on the tourbillon carriage, power-reserve indicator, trust index, fly back chronograph (hours and minutes), tourbillon

Case
18-carat white gold set with 227 baguette-cut diamonds, 20.17 cts Dimensions: 48.5 mm in diameter 18.50 mm thick 3.3 mm thick sapphire crystal, glare proofed on both sides 18-carat white gold crown set with 26 baguette-cut diamonds, 1.30 cts 18-carat white gold pusher set with 4 baguette-cut diamonds, 0.33 cts Water-resistant to 30 metres Transparent case-back

Dial

Complex, multi-layered, set with 100 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 1.40 cts and 34 carnelians totaling 1.88 cts Hour-markers: 12 baguette-cut black diamonds, 0.23 cts Orange Superluminova-lacquered hour, minute and fly back chronograph hands

Strap
Rubber-coated black alligator leather and 18-carat white gold Concord folding clasp

Gem setting
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403 gems totaling 25.31 carats

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Patek Philippe - Ref. 1563 1940 - $ 1.12 Million

Patek Philippe. A very rare and important 18K gold split seconds chronograph wristwatch with two-tone pulsation dial and screw back case.
SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENVE, REF. 1563, MOVEMENT NO. 862'420, CASE NO. 630'552, MOVEMENT MANUFACTURED IN 1940, UPGRADED WITH THE PRESENT CASE IN 1943

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Cal. 13''' nickel-finished jeweled lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, metal dust cap, two-tone silvered dial, applied gold baton and Arabic numerals, outer railway five minute divisions and scale calibrated for 15 pulsations, two subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minutes register, circular water-resistant-type case, screw back, two round chronograph buttons in the band,18K gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed The movement is ticking and all chronograph functions are working, just a few surface scratches in places and slight wear on some of the plates, the metal dust cap is slightly dirty, all consistent with age. The beautiful two-tone dial is slightly spotted in places, a bit oxidized around the rim and with a faint layer of oxidation, though this is only visible when viewed up close, overall nice and original and the correct level of patina, the signature and scales are intact and clear. The case with small surface scratches on the back and sides, but no signs of over polishing, the gold mark on the right side is extremely crisp. One chronograph pushed (reset function) with small loss to edge(as can be seen on illustration). With new Patek Philippe CROCODILE leather strap. Please refer to special notice regarding material from endangered species. Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with pulsometre scale in 1940 and its subsequent sale on 19 July 1941. The Extract further states that the original case was replaced by the case bearing the number 630'552 during a servicing in the Patek Philippe workshops in 1943. Few complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch references are so rare like the mythical reference 1563. Whereas one must admit that its case design is very Much reproducing the proportions of Patek Philippe's well-known reference 1463, and its movement functions those of the sophisticated 13 lignes split seconds calibre normally found on reference 1436, it is the combination of the water-resistant case highlighted by the round pushers and the "chronographe rattrapante" mechanism which make all the difference to the connoisseur collector. As a matter of fact, until to date, only three references 1563 are known publicly. Reference 1563 has also come to international fame thanks to the fact that one of the three examples (movement 863'791, case 630'551) belonged to no one lesser than the world famous jazz legend Duke Ellington. The watch was sold at auction in 2002 following one of the fiercest bidding frenzies and can be admired today in Geneva's prestigious Patek Philippe Museum. Interestingly, Ellington's ref 1563 carries the precedent case number of the present watch. Naturally, it doesn't surprise that for many collectors, all references 1563 are now referred to as the "Duke Ellington chronograph model". The present reference 1563 was a new discovery in 1992, nearly twenty years ago, when it was sold at public auction for the so far first and only time. The catalogue note of the time explains in detail how the movement started life in 1940 in a reference 1436 case, was sold in June 1941 to its first owner, and then in 1943 upgraded, by his request, to its current specifications. Most importantly, this genesis is mentioned to be confirmed by a certificate which, regrettably, has probably been lost since. However, Patek Philippe's Extract from the Archives confirms once more that the watch was made to its actual typology, including the pulsation dial, at their workshops in 1943.

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The two-tone dial has homogenically aged with wonderful tones of beige and subtle rose. The pulsation scale is printed against a more silvery background which is impressively contrasting to the centre and lending it the ever so beautiful two-tone appeal. The case is full with very good definition, the hallmark in the band is as well preserved as the spoilt collector could hope for. This unique "pulsation 1563" has not been on the market for nearly two decades and is now coming from one of the world's finest Patek Philippe wristwatch collection. This provenance paired with fabulous looks and Switzerland's finest engineering render it a must for any lover of horological masterpieces. Only an exceedingly small number of collector's wristwatches truly constitute rare opportunities for the passionate connoisseur. However, when one considers that of this model only three examples have appeared in 30 years of auctions and that this is one of two to have remained in private hands, it is not an overstatement when using these words to describe this fact. Christies
15 November 2010 Geneva

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Manufacture Royale Opera Tourbillon Accordion Watch - $1.2 Million

Exclusive Accordion Timepiece

Manufacture Royale have just unveiled their latest timepiece called Opera, a $1.2 million bespoke tourbillon watch designed for the ultra-rich people with a huge passion for watches. The Opera timepiece is a very meticulous piece of horological art featuring a very unique shape with a 50mm wide case crafted in 18k rose or gray gold. Ok, let's get back to the subject at hand. Manufacture Royale takes inspiration from Voltaire. Yes, that Voltaire - a man that at one point they refer to as the "Super Salesman." They should have just called the watch "Voltaire." That would have been better than making it look like a wrist catapult and for some reason calling it the Opera (well it does have a minute repeater complication). It also appears that Manufacture Royale (with cheese), has been influenced by the designs of fellow watch brand Louis Moinet. Both seem to be focused on the "age of enlightenment" (and limitless coffers). Another nod to fantasy is the Manufacture Royale logo. Above the "MR" letter is a curved line with the handle of a sword coming out of it. This is the sword in the stone - Excalibur from Arthurian legend. Make of this what you will. I just smile and think of the Disney cartoon. Does Merlin come with the watch? Perhaps a little Archimedes? Owls seem to be really "in" right now.

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Now comes the interesting part. See how the case opens up like the bellows of an Accordion? This unique design feature is made to create a resonance cage/ chamber to allow for the minute repeater to sound more lively. The unfortunate reality is that the complexity of many minute repeaters is diminished by the Tinny sound they make after being cased in a watch. The modern needs of a watch with water resistance as well as the desire for precious metals that absorb sound has made it a challenge for watch designers to come up with cases that adequately allow for minute repeater complications to sound decent. For Manufacture Royale had to convince engineers to develop this ultra-complex style of articulating case. We can call it the "Beetle shell watch case."

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The watch is paired with a Mississippi alligator skin strap and it has three sapphire crystals and 60 pieces in its construction. It has a completely new movement that is manually wound, a lovely tourbillon and also a minute repeater which plays the hours in A, and the minute in C sharp. Exactly 319 parts were used to build this masterpiece that will be surely enjoyed by the watch aficionados. The Opera Timepiece has a power reserve in excess of 100 hours and it will come encased in a veneered wooden box thats said to be a reproduction of the Bastille Opera House in Paris. Manufacture Royale will make only 12 units of this amazing Opera watch.

You see, apart from making sure you get to the theatre on time, this exquisitely crafted timepiece also chimes in perfect C sharp with the passing of each minute, and in A on every hour It makes sense to have produced such a limited stock of the Opera Tourbillon watch, as a very limited amount of people will be able to afford it. Regardless, one can still dream. Check out the featured gallery to indulge your horological fantasies with the Opera Tourbillon watch.

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The watch case itself is 50mm wide done in 18k rose and gray gold. It has three sapphire crystals and 60 pieces in its construction. Everything about this watch is crazy. It is weird and wonderful. Ugly and beautiful. A novelty for true collectors, only 12 of these watches will be made - making way for other future Manufacture Royal watches. I really do appreciate the audacity of the men behind this watch and brand. There is a hefty amount of silliness here. They make little attempt to hide the fact that this is one eternally ostentatious toy. The watch comes in a veneered wooden box that is said to be a reproduction of the Bastille Opera House in Paris. In case you didn't detect it yet, the French are behind this timepiece. The price you ask? Well in Manufacture Royale's own words "just like the product - exceptional." And they aren't lying.... $1,200,000. My consumer gland just had an aneurysm.

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Its overlapping leaves of 18ct gold form a unique accordion-like structure that angles the watch face towards you, and in case youre feeling short-changed from you1.2 bar, liberal use of sapphire crystal among the 319 hand-crafted parts at least tells you where some of your money is going.

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Case
Materials and finishing:

Folding/Unfolding case in patented 18 carat gray or rose gold. 3 sapphire crystals. Moveable transparent back. Screws and axles in 18 carat gray or rose gold. Assembled and polished entirely by hand Individually numbered -Case dimensions 50mm in diameter Number of components 60 -Crown 18 carat rose gold. Polished and diamond encrusted / Manufacture Royale logo hand-polished surface -Hands Hours and minutes in hand-polished 18 carat rose gold. Strap Hand sewn Mississippi alligator skin Buckle Hand-polished 18 carat rose and gray gold.

Movement
Movement dimensions Height: 5.45 mm / Diameter: 32 mm Number of components 319 Number of rubies 29 Power reserve 108 hours Frequency 3Hz, 21,600 vibrations per hour Plates Brass with sunray brushing, polished angles Bridges Brass with sunray brushing, polished angles Entirely hand finished Bells/chimes Hours in A / Minutes in C sharp Tourbillon Escape wheel and anchors in silicon One rotation per minute Functions Hours, Minutes. Repeater (triggered by slide) Gears Counter gears and sound system NIHS 20-02 Balance spring Flat Balance with screws

$1.2 Million

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Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillion Regulator - $ 1184000

Vacheron Constantin Malte Regulator Tourbillion Lady 30682/S21G-9477

High Jewelry Malte Tourbillon fully set in 50.98 ct of diamonds. Invisible-Setting Hand wound tourbillon movement. Hand Works Clock

Number of diamonds: 274 Carat weight: 50.98cts Invisible setting technique Limited Edition: 8 pieces
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Vacheron Constantin Malte Regulator Tourbillion Lady 30682/S21G-9477

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Movement
Reference: 1795 R Thickness (mm): 6.10 Diameter (mm): 27.37 (12''' x 12''' ) Number of parts: 184 Energy: manual Number of jewels: 27 Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18'000 v.p.h.) Power-reserve (hours): 45 approx. Indication: hours and minute with regulator display, Small second, small second on tourbillon, tourbillon Movement: Manual Wind Number of parts: 184 Number of jewels: 27 Frequency: 2.5 Hz (18'000 v.p.h.) Power-reserve (hours): 45 approx.

Case
Case Material: 18K white gold Size (mm): 39.60 x 49.50 Thickness (mm): 13.15 Shape: tonneau-shaped Back: tonneau-shaped / Transparent back Water-resistance (bar): 3 Case Size: 44x36mm

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Tourbillon Band Type: 18k White Gold Bracelet Ref : 30682/S21G-9477

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Rolex Chronographe Antimagnetique 1942 - $1,163,340

Rolex broke through the magic $1 million mark at Christies Geneva auction held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues where an oversized stainless steel split seconds chronograph wristwatch manufactured in 1942 sold for $1,163,340 including the buyers premium. This is the all-time high price paid for any Rolex at auction. The record-setter is a Reference 4113 signed Rolex, Chronographe, and Antimagnetique, manufactured in 1942. The movement is a Valjoux caliber 55 VBR, a 17 2/3 nickel-finished lever movement with 17 jewels. The dial is silvered matte with applied pink gold Arabic and baton numerals, outer minute divisions, blue telemeter and black tachymeter scales, and two subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minutes register. The round case measures a highly unusual 44mm. The case has fluted lugs and a Snap-On back. The split seconds chronograph mechanism is operated through two rectangular chronograph buttons in the case band and one round chronograph button in the crown. The case, dial and movement are signed.

Rolex Chronographe Antimagnetique 1942 - Reference 4113

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Chopard Super Ice Cube: $1.1 million

Another Diamonded watch to taste the charm of full luxury. It is also the winner of the Baden-Baden Rose dOr award in 1976 and wearing this watch can make you the queen of world.

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The idea of freely rotated diamonds was evidently the original one. It has 66.16 carats of diamonds all together including 1 897 brilliants, 288 trapezecuts, and a centre case set with 16 squares. The outlook of this watch is so glorifying that it can make you speechless for a moment and it would be defiantly similar or more than your dreams Its called Chopard Super Ice Cube because its shape is just like an ice cubes. This watch is made of package of gemstones. The gemstones are 66 carat.

Reference: 136815-1002 Indication(s): hours, minutes Movement: quartz Material: 18-carat white gold Gem-setting: diamonds Dial description: diamonds-set

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Patek Philippe Clarin Mustad Ref 1518 $ 1.1 Million

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Sothebys Geneva | 13 Nov 2011, 08:00 PM | GE1104

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LOT 260
AN EXCEPTIONAL AND UNIQUE 18K PINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH BRACELET WATCH WITH MOON-PHASES ON PINK DIAL DEDICATED TO CLARIN MUSTAD, A PIONEER OF THE CAR INDUSTRY 1944 REF 1518 MVT 863371 CASE 636292

cal. 13''' nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 23 jewels pink dial, applied pink gold dot indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds, 30-minute register, date combined with aperture for moon-phases, aperture for day and month in French, outer railway five minute divisions and tachometer scale polished bezel, square chronograph pushers to a satin-finished band, Snap-On case back with engraved inscription to the interior 'Mustad Clarin c/o Benoit SA CH-1820 Montreux Reward - Recompense' factory restored integral 18k pink gold brick link bracelet case, dial, movement and bracelet signed diameter 35 mm ESTIMATE 800,000-1,200,000 CHF CATALOGUE NOTE Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its manufacture in 1944 and subsequent sale on November 30th 1944. The Extract further confirms its sale with pink gold bracelet and pink dial with raised hour markers. The present watch features several design elements that are unique to this example. It is the only known 1518 with Empire" case, integral bracelet, and pink dial with applied dot hour markers, pink day and month calendar discs and baton hands. The variations mentioned above each characterize the watches distinctive nature in nearly every aspect. The dial design flows harmoniously from the pink background of the dial plate united with the subtle dot numerals to the pink calendar window discs. The baton hands continue the elegant lines of the dial. Baton hands are unknown in any other reference 1518. The dial, made by Stern Frres, was likely a special order given that standard 1518 dials during this period were designed with applied Arabic numerals. The subtleties are further echoed by the enhanced bezel design of this example. The bezel features a larger opening for the crystal, which provides optimal dial visibility. From the profile the bezel is distinctly different from the standard reference 1518. The typical reference 1518 case is constructed as one piece, forged with lugs. By contrast, the present lot is designed as an "Empire" case that is to say specifically without lugs, for the express purpose of an integrated bracelet. This consideration ties together the tailor-made nature of this watch, reinforcing the fact that it is the only known 1518 to have been made in this style.
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Like other examples of this reference, the 'Clarin Mustad 1518' is equipped with a calibre 13-130Q which was finished to the highest standards of the Patek Philippe workshop. Interestingly, it should be noted that this movement is stamped with the Geneva seal, a rare characteristic for this period. Made by Patek Philippe in 1944 and sold in November of the same year, the watch was recently serviced by Patek Philippe and expertly restored to its original specification with attached gold bracelet. The watch now again conforms to the information found in the Patek Philippe Archives. The Patek Philippe Service information is available upon request. The reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar chronograph Patek Philippe produced in series. The reference was a pivotal model for the firm and played a significant role in their development of complicated wristwatches and led to their unbroken dominance in the Industry. From 1941 to 1954, a total of 281 reference 1518 wristwatches were made, a small production run by today's standards and an average of just 20 watches a year. The model was launched at the Basel Fair in 1941 and very few were then produced during World War II. Only 18 examples were made in 1941-42, and another 36 examples in 1943-44. The present lot belongs to the latter group. Purchasers of the famous reference were important clients of the firm such as Henry Graves Jr., James Ward Packard and Sugar Ray Robinson. The watch was presented to Norwegian car industry pioneer Clarin Mustad in Montreux in 1944. Hans Clarin Hovind Mustad (1871-1948) was a successful Norwegian businessman. He became co-owner of his father's business, O. Mustad & Son, with his four brothers in 1905. In 1918 it was the largest industrial company in Norway with several factories abroad. Clarin Mustad was also involved in the emerging car industry. He is credited with inventing an ignition whereby the driver could start his car from his driver's seat. This was a revolutionary concept at the time as it replaced the use of an external handle to start the car's engine.

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Cyrus Klepcys $ 1.1 Million

Cyrus spent three years to develop the Cyrus Klepcys and produce the final watch. Three years is a long time and we are going to see why it took them such time to produce this collection. The history Hundreds years ago, the city of Babylon was one of the most powerful capital of the world. It ruled the intellectual and scientific world. Despite its supposed invincibility, Cyrus The Great achieved the unbelievable feat of conquering this city. Cyrus The Great was not a cruel military chief, he was more of an intellectual dreaming of a better world, this is why instead of burning down the city, he decided to preserve this jewel of destruction. Everyone knows Babylon through its fantastic gardens which King Nebuchadnezzar has built with his wife. Babylon was also knew for its seven storey tower which reached an unbelievable height of 91 meters. It was known as the tower with its top in the heavens .Babylon was the city of extraordinary and was conquered by Cyrus The Great. Those has the characteristics that comes with Cyrus Klepcys collection : All the knowledge both intellectual and scientific of our time, comes within this watch.

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The Watch The design of the watch remind of us of the city of Babylon, both are inaccessible, proud and can be seen through thousands. The highest quality materials are used in the Cyrus Klepcys collection. An imposing case with a diameter of 48mm (including the crowns) included in four walls within the shape of horns are necessary for displaying the full mechanism. The black crocodile leather band fits perfectly on the wrist. The watch is only available on limited series and is in 18 carat red gold or 18 carat grey gold combined with Grade 5 titanium with a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) finish. The case is sealed with Cyrus designed special screws with remind of the Cyrus logo and represent the locks of the wall of Babylon which hide secret treasures waiting to be discovered. The case back of every Klepcys contains an identical copy of a more than 2500 years old coin, created during the reign of Cyrus. The original coin is owned by the founders of Cyrus in Switzerland. This coin is known to be one of the first currency of the modern world. The image engraved in the original coin represent a lion and a bull, symbols of authority during the reign of Cyrus The Great. The Klepcys also bears on the back, a special message dedicated to its owner. You will discover it when owning this watch.

Cyrus Klepcys Description : Swiss made Automatic movement with a unique display of the time on a movable axis, with a retrograde hour function, day/night indication, large date calendar with retrograde rotating three-dimensional tens, spherical moon with moon phase indication by gradual rise of a patch
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The Mechanism The mechanism has three main functions, never seen before. The hour his linear, retrograde with day/night indication. The hour hand moves along a 180 axis and, when retrograding, changes color depending on the day and night. Minutes and seconds are available on two separate discs. To read time in a linear way you have to read the hour which will be automatically aligned with the minute and the second. This is a new way to read time. The date is retrograde, rotating in 3D. There are basically two digits. The first digit is moving depending on the day, the second digit never move. When the date is 09, the first digit retrograde and rotate on itself from 0 to 1 which will display 10. When the 31 comes, the first digit will only rotate on itself, and will not move, in order to display 01. This is incredible since once every days the first digit will rotate but not move up !Like Babylon, the Cyrus Klepcys comes with its top in the heavens with a fantastic moon phase. A full realistic moon in gold (with realistic crater images) will be slowly covered by a black patch. Those three outstanding mechanisms have been developed with Jean-Francois Mojon, winner of the Best Watchmaker award at the Grand Prix dHorlogerie in Geneva.

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Cyrus Klepcys Specifications

Movement : CYR598 automatic, 4Hz, 28,800vph Main material : 18k gold Diameter : 48mm (including crowns) Date : Large date, retrograde three-dimensional tens, pivoting Precise guidance of the height of the tens hand with a ruby bearing Patent applied for Phases of the moon : Three-dimensional moon Progressive rising of the patch to indicate the various moon phases In case of a fully covered moon: appearance of the CYRUS logo Other : Inertial balance for greater adjustment stability Sprockets with optimized teeth (reduced play) Maximum use of stainless steel for better corrosion resistance CYRUS-specific hardware Back case : 18K red gold Identical copy of the original, over 2,500-year-old coin. The original coin is the property of CYRUS. Power reserve : > 40 hours Number of components : 456 Number of rubies : 37

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Breguet Classique Grande Complication 7639BB - $1.07 Million

Breguet Classique 'Grande Complication' Minute Repeater 7639BB

In 2008, Breguet introduced a new way of designing minute repeaters, fitting them with re-engineered movements incorporating new materials and featuring innovative positions for the gongs, gong rests and hammers. This patented technique is now available in Breguet minute repeater ref. 7639. The 44.5 mm case houses a minute repeater movement, but some might say the real treasure is on the outside. The 18K white gold case is set with 178 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 11.81 carats. The 18K gold dial is set with 392 princess-cut diamonds that are mounted upside down. The crown is set with one diamond weighing .46 carats. Even the folding buckle is set with 42 diamonds. If youre keeping score, ref. 7639 carries diamonds totaling about 18 carats. The hand-wound movement, visible through the clear sapphire case back, is engraved by hand with a unique musical decoration. Priced at SFr. 1 million.

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Classique Complications - 7639BB/6D/9XV DDOD

Classique Grandes Complications wristwatch in 18-carat white gold. Handwound mechanical movement, with minute repeater, entirely engraved by hand. Dial in silvered 18-carat gold, invisible set with 392 reversed diamonds in the style of the traditional Clou de Paris approx. 6.73cts. Bezel, case band, lugs, repeating-slide and crown paved with 178 baguette-cut diamonds, approx. 11.18cts. Crown also set with a briolette-cut diamond, approx. 0.46ct. The back of the movement bears a hand-engraved drawing representing the universe of the music. 40-hour power-reserve. Sapphire case back. The gong spring, invented in 1783, is a strip of metal that replaced the traditional bell and improved sound quality.

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Classique Complications - 7639BB/6D/9XV DDOD

SPECIFICATIONS Material : White gold Calibre : 567/2 Lines : 12 Case thickness : 11.70 mm Case dimension : 44.50 mm Jewels : 31 Powers Reserve : 40 hours Ref. 7639BB/6D/9XV DD0D

Case: round in 18K white gold fully set with baguette-cut diamonds. Rounded horns welded to the case, screw pins securing the strap. Setting: bezel, lugs, case band, repeating-slide and crown set with 178 baguette-cut diamonds totalizing approx. 11.18 carats. Crown also set with one diamond approx. 0.46 cts. Diameter 44.5 mm. Sapphire-crystal case back. Dial: in 18K gold, entirely paved with 392 princess-cut diamonds set in an invisible way with upside down gemstones. Individually numbered and signed BREGUET. Open-tipped BREGUET hands in blued steel. Movement: hand-wound, with minute repeater, entirely engraved by hand with musical decoration. Numbered and signed BREGUET. 12 lines. 31 jewels. Cal. 567/2. 40-hour power-reserve. Straight-line lever escapement. 2.5Hz balance-wheel with load screws. BREGUET overcoil. Adjusted in 5 positions. Folding clasp in white gold set with 42 baguette-cut diamonds (0.89 cts).

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Hublot Black Caviar Bang : $1 million

Its only one piece in the world.

Hublot $ 1 Million Black Caviar Bang

The Quintessence of "Invisible Visibility" in a uniform range of Black Tones The Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches Hublot has recently introduced one million dollar watch Black Caviar Bang. This watch's setting is very complex. The difficulty resides in the unusual lines of the Big Bang case round but with sharp angles. The white gold, one-piece construction of the case does not reveal one grain of gold, and the diamonds, cut in mysterious ways, seem to hold together as if by magic. The only visible feature is the black and deep tones of the diamonds, shining in their harmonious alignment. This unique piece, which houses a Tourbillon, symbolizes the fusion between watchmaking and jewelry, tradition and technology, glittering and invisibility. The vibration which emanates from it gives rise to an emotion tinged with fascination. Ceramic is an ideal material for a watch. It is 30% lighter than steel, 100% scratch proof, 100% anti-allergenic, and 100% rust-proof. The Big Bang Black Caviars exterior case components are made almost entirely from ceramic, including even
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the crown and dial a first for Hublot. The design is inspired by the famous One Million $ Black Caviar. The case, dial and bezel feature deep reliefs designed, cut, beveled and polished like the baguette black diamonds of its big sister. The case measures 41mm in diameter and is equipped with the automatic mechanical movement HUB1112.

Hublot White Caviar Bang

The case, in 18kt white gold, is covered with 322 black diamonds (25 carats). The crystal is an AR-coated sapphire, as is the display back. The bezel, done in 18kt white gold, is covered with 179 black diamonds (6 carats). Movement is the Hublot caliber HUB Solo T, a 1 minute Tourbillon Volant, and manual-wind with
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special black finishing. The watch has 24 jewels, beats at 21,600 bph and has a power reserve of 120 hours. The bracelet is rubber with an 18kt white gold closure covered with 30 black diamonds (3.5 carats). The watch is manufactured in limited edition of just one piece. The Black Caviar is mounted on a glossy black alligator strap stitched on black rubber to provide added comfort, flexibility and robustness. A 42 - hour power reserve 100 meter water resistance complete the package. Inside the watch is Hublot's specially manufactured manually wound HUB Solo T tourbillon movement. A beautifully designed face opens with a view on the one minute tourbillon, and diamonds are patterned into the face as the power reserve indicator. The design of the face is attractive and functional, but doesn't try very hard to be practical. With an impressive array of square cut black diamonds, the Hublot Black Caviar Bang register's high on the glitz scale as well as the exclusivity meter with a limited edition of only one piece. It was made in 2000 hours of detailed and meticulous workmanship, the case is made of 18 carat white gold combined with 322 grains of black gems included in the belt section that makes a total of 25 carat gold.

Technical specifications Case Crystal 18K white gold set with 322 baguette diamonds (25.11 cts) Sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflection treatment 18K white gold with sapphire crystal, interior anti-reflection Back treatment Crown 18K white gold set with 13 black diamond baguettes (1.7 cts) 18 K white gold, set with 179 black diamond baguettes (5.48 cts), Dial circular arc setting with white diamonds at 10:00 indicating the power reserve. Hands Faceted, rhodium-plated diamond polished skeleton hands Mechanical, manufactured, manual winding, flying Tourbillon Movement 60 seconds, special execution HUB Solo T Dimensions Diameter: 1314 ( 30.00 mm) Thickness: 7.10 mm Components 148 Jewels 24 rubies Balance Gyromax regulating inertia-block spring Vibrations 21,600 V/h (3Hz) Tourbillon 13 mm in diameter cage Power 120 hours Reserve Strap Adjustable smooth black natural rubber with Hublot logo 18K white gold with cover set with 30 black diamond baguettes Clasp (3.5 cts), 18K white gold deployant
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Ulysse Nardin - Royal Blue Tourbillon - $ 1 Million

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The Royal Blue Tourbillon watch by Ulysse Nardin is a statement as much as it is a watch. The message is clear and direct to both watch lovers and fellow brands. Ulysse Nardin here asserts its power as a brand when it comes to beauty, haute joaillerie, and status. Ulysse Nardins watch is its proudest monument.

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You really dont encounter timepieces such as this very often. It is a watch that in one fell swoop can entirely epitomize the luxury watch industry. Holding nothing back, this timepiece unapologetically exhibits the absolute maximum level of highend lifestyle poise and exclusivity a timepiece can contain before verging on the outer realms of good taste. Ulysse Nardin chose to play with the colors blue and white in the watch. Deeming blue to be a royal tone (and I always thought it was purple), the color is mixed with white (the color of platinum and diamonds). It is no coincidence then that platinum and diamonds make up most of the construction of the watch. The case is 43mm wide in solid 950 platinum. The eyes however see only small amounts of platinum due to the invigorating quantity of precious stones that include diamonds and sapphires. Attempting to describe the amount of Top Wesselton baguette cut diamonds all over the watch is like trying to count stars. The Royal Blue Tourbillon has hundreds of large carat stones all over dial, case, and bracelet. Ulysse Nardin reports the timepiece to have 568 diamonds (total of 33.8 carats) and 236 royal blue sapphires (total of 16.79 carats). Each stone needed to be specially selected and cut to fill in the many precious stone filled nooks and crannies all over the Royal Blue Tourbillons surfaces. This is not diamond decoration without design though. The stone work has been specially designed to create a distinct shape and series of textures all over the watch. The arrangement of both the diamonds and sapphires create a look that is much

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more than a mere amalgamation of precious jewels. The sapphire crystals on the side of the case for example are cut with curves, in order to give the side of watch case an angled shape. Sapphire crystals around the dial operate as hour indicators when mixed with diamonds, and play nicely with the blue toned synthetic sapphire bridges in the movement. In addition to being a flagship of diamonds and platinum, the Royal Blue Tourbillon has an impressively complex (and attractive) Calibre UN-79 movement. The manually wound movement features a flying tourbillon and very unique winding style. Ulysse Nardin wanted the wearer to feel special when winding the watch, so they developed a circular rack mechanism that spins around the dial and moves a series of gears while the watch is being wound. The system adds a sense of fun of intrigue when performing the simple task of winding the movement. The dial mixes both transparent and blue colored sapphire crystals with blued steel screwed to create the very impressive skeletonized dial. Under 12 oclock, you can see the skeletonized mainspring barrel which can also act as a visual power reserve indicator. Ulysse Nardin has ultimately defined its position in the luxury watch world with a piece such as the Royal Blue Tourbillon. Let no one be confused as to what the brand is capable of. The Royal Blue Tourbillon watch will be limited to just 30 pieces, and will also come with an optional alligator strap if you dont see yourself going full bling ahead on Royal Blue days. 43mm wide 950 platinum case decorated with precious stones.

Flying Tourbillon over sapphire crystal bridge Circular Rack movement winding style around entire dial Platinum bracelet covered with over 35 carats of diamond and blue sapphires Side of platinum case lined with blue sapphires.

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Franck Muller Evolution 3-1 - $ 1 Million

Frank Muller Evolution 3-1 Ref 9885 T EV 3-1

Evolution 1-3 tops off the broad range of world firsts which have forged the reputation of the brand over the years. Triaxial tourbillon the originality of the tourbillon is that two frames as well as the tourbillon are set in motion on three different perpendicular axes. So it is that, in an hour, being how long it takes for the first frame to complete a revolution, the tourbillon will have passed through all possible positions and will have compensated for any possible running variations. To obtain this result, a double barrel, acting through the minutes wheel, drives a first frame which completes a revolution in one hour. The second frame, driven by the first, completes one revolution in eight minutes. The tourbillon, carrying the escapement and the balance-wheel, is driven by the second frame and completes a revolution in sixty seconds. Apart from the great ingenuity of the design, the true connoisseur of the watchmakers art will appreciate the virtuosity inherent in the realization of the tourbill.
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Triaxial Tourbillon The originality of the triaxial tourbillon is that two frames as well as the tourbillon are set in motion on three different perpendicular axes. So it is that, in an hour, being how long it takes for the first frame to complete a revolution, the tourbillon will have passed through all possible positions and will have compensated for any possible running variations. To obtain this result, a double barrel, acting through the minutes wheel, drives a first frame which completes a revolution in one hour? The second frame, driven by the first, completes one revolution in eight minutes. The tourbillon, carrying the escapement and the balance-wheel, is driven by the second frame and completes a revolution in sixty seconds. Apart from the great ingenuity of the design, the true connoisseur of the watchmakers art will appreciate the virtuosity inherent in the realization of the tourbillon movement. Its stunning beauty is the result of one of the most difficult exercises in the luxury watch making industry. Power Reserve An ingenious power-reserve mechanism actuated by the barrel ar-bour (patented by Franck Muller) makes it possible to indicate, with a hand placed at 12 o'clock on a scale graduated from 0 to 10, how many days power reserve remain. Perpetual Calendar The calendar mechanism, just as the basic movement, is entirely designed and manufactured in Watch land. Its special characteristic lies in a design very different from that of the traditional calendar mechanism, in order to allow the tourbillon to be visible through the dial, as in all other Franck Muller movements. Besides this differ-ence, the mechanism allows for all calendar indications, that is to say: Movement: Manually-wound mechanical movement. Triaxial tourbillon. Perpetual calendar with moon phases. Power reserve indicator. Dimensions of movement: Curvex Form 32.20 x 39.50 mm Height 10.35 mm. Continuous Indication: Hours, minutes, power reserve. 24 hours, days of the week, months, years.

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Frank Muller Evolution 3-1

Ref 9885 T EV 3-1

Specifications
Series: Cintree Curvex Type (Gender): Men's Dial: Sun-stamped, translucent lacquered dial Case: Cintre Curvex. Platinum 950 or 18 carat gold Case material: White gold (WG) Case Diameter: 44,65 39,0 Case thickness: 12.00 Case form: Flank Crystal: Sapphire Movement: Manually-wound mechanical movement. Triaxial tourbillon. Retrograde Indication: Date Power reserve: 240 hours or 10 days Frequency: 28,000 vibrations/hour No. of components in movement: 468 No. of jewels: 40 Dimensions of movement: Curvex Form 32.20 x 39.50 mm Height 10.35 mm. Decoration of movement: Hand-engraved with an Art Deco motif, Cotes de Genve, circular graining, hand chamfered Functions: 3-position stem, four correctors for the date, days, months and year, Perpetual calendar with moon phases. Power reserve indicator. Continuous Indication: Hours, minutes, power reserve. 24 hours, days of the week, months, years. Strap: Hand-sewn alligator Strap color: Black Water resistant: 25.00

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Richard Mille RM039 Aviation E6-B - $ 1 Million

Richard Mille has once again broken new ground in luxury. Doing what no one else could do, they have done the unthinkable. matched a tourbillon-based movement with a slide-rule bezel. Such passion! Limited to just 30 pieces, less than three dozen lucky souls will have the comfort of flying high knowing that Richard Mille is in charge of their most precious aviation measuring and calculating needs. Thanks to the new RM039 E6-B the prayers of all pilots have been answered. The busyness of a slide-rule bezel is only matched by that of a Richard Mille exposed watch dial. Together they are like watching a Tokyo street and subway system somehow intersect. Ironically based on the Richard Mille diver watch collection, the RM039 is meant purely to be used above the ground. In fact, if I may offer my advice, it probably isnt safe to fly without the E6-B flight instrument timepiece. Calling it luxury isnt fair. This is just the price of quality measuring instruments if Richard Mille has anything to say about it. The good news is that it (likely) wont cost you more than the plane it is intended to help navigate. Offered right now in a titanium case, it wont weigh that much either. The dive-style watch was a good model to build the E6-B on as it previously had a rotating bezel which was modified into the slide-rule mechanism.

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After a few minutes of inspecting the dial I suddenly forgot I was looking at a watch but rather a machine mixed with the blood of racing horses. I then realized that I was trying to decipher what the watch movement did. In addition to the time, it has a big date indicator, fly back chronograph, GMT hand, countdown timer function, and a function selector. The movement is manually wound with a power reserve of about 70 hours. It is also much smarter than your 8th grader. The crown of the RM039 looks l like a miniature wheel of the monster truck I always wanted to drive around. Richard Mille knows just how to tease me. I am afraid my math skills arent adept enough to fully use this watch. Something about owning a camera with features I dont use and wont understand seems OK, but if I was to wear this watch I might have to enroll in pilot school to understand Density Altitude. Thank you Richard Mille for showing me just how little I know of the world. I know I can always rely on your horological wisdom to see me through the dark (and apparently clouds at 30,000 feet).Richard Mille indicates that the RM039 with titanium lugs will be limited to 30 pieces. I supposed some other limited edition versions are coming as well. I expect future versions to sprout wings.

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Vacheron Constantin Atelier Cabinotiers Philosophia - $1Million

Reviving the horological spirit of 18th century Geneva. A workshop dedicated since 2006 to custom-built Fine Watchmaking. Watchmaking expertise meets artistic crafts. Two unique models unveiled for the very first time. Philosophia: the paradoxical timekeeper. Vladimir: the ultimate in complications.

Only one hand... Vacheron Constantin - Created in 2006

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Atelier Cabinotiers revives the very unique spirit of 18th century Geneva. At that time, prestigious clients came to order directly from the cabinotiers, the watch industry craftsmen who forged the citys reputation. Royalty such as King Fouad of Egypt or his son King Farouk were also ferevent collectors of one-of-a-kind models created by the Manufacture. Today, for the first time, Vacheron Constantin is unveiling two timepieces ordered from Atelier Cabinotiers, a new and unique service that custom-makes Fine Watches. Secrecy and confidentiality surround most of the watches made to order by Vacheron Constantin. Sometimes embodying the wildest of dreams, always expressions of a burning desire, they are heard of more often than seen. These exceptional collection pieces come to life in Geneva at Atelier Cabinotiers. Unique in the watchmaking industry, this custom-building department offers clients a very exclusive service representing far more than just a finished product and based on the attentive listening skills and expertise of this Fine Watchmaking Manufacture founded in 1755. By providing this service, the latter is reviving the spirit of the cabinotiers, the highly specialized Geneva craftsmen who made the city famous beginning in the 11th century first in jewelry, and then in watchmaking. This year, for the first time, Vacheron Constantin is unveiling two unique pieces stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva and made by its Atelier Cabinotiers service.

Philosophia, a peaceful coexistence of Fine Watchmaking.

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A Vacheron Constantin tradition

Right from its origins, Vacheron Constantin encouraged its watchmakers to make custom-built watches, lavishing countless hours on determining the exact appearance of a model and on choosing its functions and its components. Everything was to be possible and the utmost efforts were devoted to endowing a watch that would forever reflect its owners preferences. Vacheron Constantin watch collectors have always been well aware of this possibility, and the famous New York banker and devoted watch connoisseur Henry Graves Jr. was for example a keen devotee of the one-of-a-kind models signed Vacheron Constantin. King Fouad of Egypt and his son King Farouk, to mention just two other eminent examples, were also keen collectors of one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin models. One particular story vividly illustrates these lasting ties: in 1937, when the adolescent Prince Farouk was visiting Geneva with his mother, Queen Nazli, he was eager to visit the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin. Charles Constantin guided him through the workshops and, when he expressed his amazement at the young mans vast horological knowledge, the prince admitted to having taken a number of watches apart to see how they worked. On the occasion of an official visit to Geneva, the municipal authorities presented him with a fabulous one of-a-kind watch created by Vacheron Constantin. Its dial is enlivened by no less than 13 hands: alongside the conventional hour, minute and seconds hands are a chronograph sweep-seconds hand, a 30-minute counter hand, a split-seconds hand, the four hands of the Perpetual Calendar with leap-year indication, as well as the respective pointers for the alarm and for the movement power-reserve indicator and the striking mechanism power-reserve. It features a minute repeater and a moon-phase display, and its movement comprises 820 parts including 55 jewels. It was this extremely distinctive spirit based on mutual exchanges and creativity that Vacheron Constantin wished to revive. In response to ever-growing number from avid collectors, the company opened its Atelier Cabinotiers in 2006. Here there are no collections, products or catalogues, just a listening ear. Everything begins with a story: the secret and intimate story of the person commissioning the watch. One, a history buff, asks for a reproduction of a painting by one of the masters in grand feu enamel on the dial; another, a poetic lover, wants a grand strike that chimes only once a year, on his true loves birthday; yet another, a grand complications enthusiast, dreams of a mechanical masterpiece such as has never yet been tried. All requests, from the simplest to the most daring, are meticulously examined by an ethical committee specially set up for the Atelier Cabinotiers; to secure approval, they must naturally be deemed to be in harmony with the Vacheron Constantin spirit. Vacheron Constantin is the only watch manufacturer to offer such a high level of service, uniting excellence and dedication. Atelier Cabinotiers is, above all, a grouping of top watchmaking professionals. Each new project that requires any technical development is supported by a team that includes an engineer, a mechanic and a watchmaker. Together, they strive to translate

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even the wildest dreams into technical terms. Vacheron Constantins designers and R&D department are called upon as needed. Then dedicated teams responsible for project development and tracking take over. A preferred contact person acts as a continual liaison between the teams and the purchaser. A dedicated website specially created as an additional service gives customers the opportunity to enter the world of the Atelier Cabinotiers via a password that gives them direct access to their watch in the making. They can follow each stage of production, including through photos and videos, thus enabling them to keep track of the work in progress at any given moment. But Atelier Cabinotiers greatest asset lies, perhaps, in the extraordinary artistic skills found there. The Vacheron Constantin guillocheurs and enamellers are among the last remaining masters of their forefathers art; others engravers and gem setters proudly carry on ancient traditions, combining natural talent with expertise. From the hands of these artists come unique timepieces representing the pinnacle of Fine Watchmaking, which will find in due course? find their place, like all the creations of the Manufacture since 1755, in the company heritage and archives.

Philosophia*: the other way to tell the time

Vacheron Constantins Atelier Cabinotiers service was recently busy with two special orders. The first, christened Philosophia* by its owner, is in and of itself a paradox. It brilliantly sets the scene for the peaceful coexistence of Fine Watchmaking and approximate time. The original idea was based on the postulate that mankind does not need to constantly know the exact time to the nearest minute. In some parts of the world, making an appointment in the morning or in the evening is quite sufficient to allow two people to meet. In the same spirit, knowing that it is 12 or 17 minutes past ten oclock does not make the Philosophia*s owner any happier or unhappier. However, while this man has decided on a lifestyle of displaying approximate time, he is no less a connoisseur of excellence. Far from being indifferent, he is in fact a Fine Watchmaking enthusiast and a major collector of timepieces. The Philosophia* conveys all of these things at once. Based on a model from the Patrimony collection, it has only one hand in the centre, the hour hand, with a 24-hour display, allowing the approximate hour to be read without worrying about the minutes. But if the owner wants a more exact idea of the time at any given moment, he simply engages the on-off slide of the Philosophia*s minute repeater, which reveals the exact hour, quarter hour and minute. If the hand is a little before 6 oclock, the chime will sound five times on a low note, three times on a low-to-high note pair, and, for example, twelve times on a high note. That means it is exactly 5:57. Another sophisticated touch in the Philosophia* is an opening in the dial at 6 oclock that reveals a tourbillon rotating once every 60 seconds. The commissioner of the piece, who also likes astronomy, asked for a customized precision moon phase; the moon is shown with its craters, and a single star the pole starshines near it. On the back of the watch, the power reserve indicator bears a small plaque stamped with the intertwined constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

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Nearby, engraved in the 18-carat pink gold of the custom case, the identifying phrase Les Cabinotiers and the Atelier Cabinotiers coat of arms attest to the exceptional origin of this timepiece, which is also stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

The power reserve indicator bears a small plaque stamped with the intertwined constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. Vacheron Constantin. Highly customized, the entire Philosophia* - a one-of-a-kind model was made piece by piece at Vacheron Constantin by Atelier Cabinotiers. At its owners request, it was engraved with No Un/Un [No. One/One] instead of the usual 1/1 marked on one-of-a-kind pieces. This attention to detail was the rule for all 522 components of the hand-wound mechanical movement that makes the Philosophia* tick. The movement that drives a minute repeater, a 60-second tourbillon and the moon-phase display. Careful attention was paid to the finishes of all components; even the surfaces that will never be seen are hand decorated. This is true, for example, of the plate and its hand matt-effect file-stroke treatment, which gives it a very beautiful granulated sandy effect but which no one except the watchmaker who takes the watch apart for maintenance will ever see. Another special detail is the openwork at the centre of the escapement wheel, which provides a place for a pierced Maltese Cross motif, the symbol of Vacheron Constantin. Unique in its spirit, aesthetics and exclusive mechanism, the Philosophia model was recently delivered to its owner by Vacheron Constantins Atelier Cabinotiers. It goes without saying that the presentation box as well as all the accessories and related documents including the instructions were also custom-made, one of each.
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Philosophia is the name given by the owner

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TECHNICAL DATA Atelier Cabinotiers Philosophia Reference: 80173/000R9483 Calibre: 2755 Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva Energy: Mechanical, manual-winding Movement diameter: 33.30 mm Movement thickness: 7.65 mm Jewels: 40 Frequency: 18000 vibrations / hour (2.5 Hz) Indications: Hours 24 H, second on tourbillon Minute Repeater Tourbillon Power reserve on the back of the watch Power reserve: Approx. 58 hours Bespoke power reserve dial engraved with great and lesser Bear Case: 18K 5N pink gold 43 mm in diameter Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side Water-Resistance: None Dial: Silvered opaline Moon-phases disc in 18K 5N pink gold Black painted minute-track and 11 Arabic numerals Strap: Brown Mississipiensis alligator leather, square scales, hand-stitched, saddle finish Clasp: Buckle in 18K 5N pink gold Polished half Maltese Cross Unique piece Case-back engraved with Les Cabinotiers identification and AC Hallmark

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Vacheron Constantin Atelier Cabinotiers - Vladimir - $1Million

The second special order was named Vladimir* by its owner. This Slavic first name is derived from the ancient term Volodimir, which literally means domination by peace or peace to all. This superlative watch is none other than one of the worlds most complicated timepieces. That is what its owner wanted, and Vacheron Constantins Atelier Cabinotiers gathered the resources to meet this very ambitious goal. As it began this extraordinary adventure and accepted this uncommon mechanical challenge, Vacheron Constantin knew it could count on its unusual expertise garnered over an uninterrupted span of more than 250 years in business. The Genevese Manufacture had demonstrated this during its quarter-millennial celebration in 2005 by designing and producing in its own workshops what was at the time the worlds most complicated wristwatch, the famous Tour de lIle. The Vladimir* model that has just left Ateliers Cabinotiers is even more complicated than that legendary model of 2005. The hand-wound mechanical movement of this unique Vladimir* watch drives no less than 17 complications. This exceptional movement, bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, has some 891 components, all hand-finished or handdecorated at Vacheron Constantin. It is both a technical and aesthetic triumph that took Atelier Cabinotiers and its top-flight watchmakers four years to develop.

Vladimir, one of the worlds most complicated timepieces.

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Just one look at the Vladimir*s main dial, which was hand-engraved on a rose engine at Atelier Cabinotiers, gives an indication of the complexity of this horological masterpiece and reveals an impressive array of complications, in addition to the usual display of hours and minutes. To begin with the supreme example, the very refined 60-second tourbillon mechanism stands out at 6 oclock, while next to it at 3 oclock appears the moon phase on a blue sky with a precision moon in gold, smiling or serious depending on the phase and hand-engraved by Atelier Cabinotiers craftsmen. To its right, a smaller counter with a small blued hand indicates the striking mechanism torque, i.e., whether the minute repeater mechanism is engaged. In addition to the hour and minute hands one-of-a-kind pieces made especially for this watch that travel around the slightly off-centre minute markers, the front side of the main dial provides a second time zone with day/night indicator at 11 oclock. The power reserve indicator is located in the 9 oclock sector, also enhanced by a 52-week indicator. At this point, we have already seen seven easily identifiable complications on a well-balanced dial with all of the motifs and materials having been selected by the purchaser that are perfectly legible and aesthetically flawless. As another sign of the personalization evident throughout the entire creative process, the guilloch pattern on the dial was also chosen by the collector of this exceptional timepiece. The back is no less admirable than the front, having a wealth of information that is pleasantly arranged, exciting, subtle and surprising. On the upper portion, the perpetual calendar dials are arranged in a triangle, displaying the days of the week, month and date from left to right. A small window at 1 oclock shows the leap-year cycle. In the centre of the dial, a blued hand sweeps over a small sector devoted to the equation of time, the variable difference observable between true (solar) time and the time marked by clocks, which for convenience is divided into equal intervals. Two other pieces of astronomical information are conveyed by hands traversing two sectors at 4 oclock and 8 oclock: the time of sunrise and sunset. The list of functions ends in a blaze of glory with a precision sky chart of the northern hemisphere, as one rarely sees it.

The motifs and the bas-relief technique (which is extremely rare in watchmaking) were both done by request of the owner. Vacheron Constantin

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This exceptional mechanical watch bearing the Hallmark of Geneva has a setting to match. The Vladimir*s case is itself a work of art, epitomizing the legendary expertise and nimble fingers of Atelier Cabinotiers artistic craftsmen. On the sides of this unique and imposing piece, which is 47 mm in diameter, the signs of the Chinese zodiac appear in bas-relief. The motifs and the bas-relief technique (which is extremely rare in watchmaking) used here were both done by request of the owner. Before getting to the heart of the matter with regard to the subject and materials, the designers showed the purchaser many sketches. The decision was then made to depict the signs of the zodiac on both sides of the case, which itself is made of 18-carat pink gold. In the end, the twelve figures from the dragon through the rabbit and the rooster to the snake were made to stand out slightly from the main body of 18-carat pink gold. It was a colossal task for the engravers the twelve figures alone took more than six months and required that a very special case first had to be made with extra-thick sides, from which the superfluous material was removed, carving roughly at first and then in very fine detail. As with every other timepiece from Vacheron Constantins workshop, the case was then polished very subtly, a task made all the more difficult by the fact that it absolutely must not destroy the engravers incredible work on the bas-reliefs. In order to meet the challenge and create this extremely complex and unique timepiece, Atelier Cabinotiers called on more than 20 experts and craftsmen. It was a Herculean effort for a watch that deserves to join the legendary ranks of exceptional watchmaking. Vladimir is the name given by the owner

The Timeless Spirit of the Cabinotiers

Since its founding, Vacheron Constantin has always encouraged its master watchmakers to custom-make watches, never begrudging the time needed to determine the exact aesthetics of a piece and select its functions and components. Atelier Cabinotiers is carrying on this tradition. Extreme complexity or a poetic expression of time, guilloch or enameled dial, Roman or Arabic numerals, seconds in the centre or chronograph functions anything is possible when giving a watch the character that will forever reflect the wishes of its owner. Then it is up to the owner to choose whether to show off the watch or keep it a secret. An indescribable pleasure in either case.

The Art of the Cabinotiers

The first craftsmen to spread Genevas reputation far and wide, beginning in the 11th century, were its goldsmiths. The fineness of their work was highly sought after at that time by dignitaries of the European courts. Attracted by this centre of excellence, engravers and enamellers did not take long to form powerful guilds in their turn. In their wake, watchmakers and diamond-cutters, as well as carvers and chain-makers, came to occupy Saint-Gervais, the cities oldest neighborhood, on the right bank of the Rhone. From 1650 on, there were more watchmakers than goldsmiths, and watchmaking became Genevas main industry.
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But Saint-Gervais, which was hemmed in by the city walls, offered only narrow, dark alleyways. In order to make the longest possible use of the best midday light, the craftsmen preferred to locate their workshops on the top floors of the buildings. These workshops, often cramped and sometimes located in attics directly beneath the roof, illuminated by numerous tiny windows, built a solid reputation for the quality of their work. They soon came to be called cabinets [closets], and their occupants were known as cabinotiers. The well-trained cabinotiers did not consider themselves to be ordinary members of the working class, but constituted a sort of worker aristocracy, more like artists, both educated and cultivated. So the art of the Saint-Gervais cabinotiers left its mark on the citys daily, economic and social life for centuries.

Genevas famous jet deau, a by-product of La Fabrique

From its beginnings as master watchmakers creating their watches alone from beginning to end, Genevas watchmaking industry was to grow and change. Gradually, it organized itself around the various cabinotier groups: case-fitters, guillocheurs, carvers, encasers, gilders, enamellers, and of course watchmakers. Training and access to the freedoms were heavily regulated, ensuring the high quality of watch and jewelry production. Activity in Saint-Gervais was so intense that the neighborhood was renamed La Fabrique [The Factory]. Merchants and craftsmen could be found there, but also rich clients coming to order directly from the attic workshops. Around 1800, it supported about 5000 cabinotiers, at a time when the entire city had 26,000 residents. In a surprising bit of history, Genevas jet deau fountain owes its existence to the cabinotiers. To provide La Fabrique and the citys craftsmen with power, in 1886 the authorities had a hydropower plant built on the Rhone, near SaintGervais. The high-pressure system enabled local industry to acquire small piston engines, which were less bulky and power-hungry than steam engines. But every evening when the craftsmen stopped working and turned off their motors, the hydraulic plant operators had to race to shut down their pumps, to avoid disastrous excess pressure. That was when someone had the idea of installing a safety valve that would let the water under excess pressure escape into the sky. The first jet deau, 30 metres high, was born.

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Vladimir. Vacheron Constantin

TECHNICAL DATA Atelier Cabinotiers Vladimir Reference: 80253/000R-9593 Calibre: 2750 Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva Energy: Mechanical, manual-winding Movement diameter: 36.00 mm Movement thickness: 11.25 mm Jewels: 38 Frequency: 18000 Vibrations / hour (2.5 Hz) Indications: Hours, minutes, second on tourbillon, Minute Repeater, Perpetual Calendar, Second time zone, Moon phase indication, Age of the moon, Striking-mechanism torque, Sunrise, sunset, Perpetual time equation, Celestial map, Week number indication Power reserve: 58 hours Case: 18K 5N pink gold 47.00 mm in diameter Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side Manual engraving of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs on the side of the case Water-Resistance: None Dial: 18K white gold Hand-guilloched Minute-track painted in white 8 applied hour markers in 18K pink gold Strap: Brown Mississipiensis alligator leather, square scales, hand-stitched, saddle finish Clasp: Buckle in 18K 5N pink gold Polished half Maltese Cross Unique piece Case-back engraved with Les Cabinotiers identification and AC Hallmark

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Jules Audemars Extra-thin Bolshoi approx. $1,023,000

The old scene of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow was opened again on Sunday, November 20th, after six-year renovation work, to greet the 236th season in its history. One of the Audemars Piguets ambassadresses, Prima Ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, was on the stage that night performing the role of the Sleeping Beauty. To celebrate this wonderful occasion, Audemars Piguet created a special Jules Audemars Extra-Thin Watch graced with an openworked oscillator engraved with a silhouette of the famous theatre. The special series of Jules Audemars Bolshoi watches is issued in pink and white gold. This is a limited edition comprising of 99 pieces in total 50 in pink gold and 49 in white gold. Both models are fitted with an elegant anthracite dial with white gold or pink gold applied hour-markers. The watches are powered by the Calibre 2120, which beats at 19'800 vibrations per hour and provides about 40 hours of power reserve. Functions include hours, minutes and seconds. Anthracite dial, white gold or pink gold applied hour-markers, 18k white gold or pink gold case with sapphire crystal case-back. The in-house self-winding movement, caliber 2120, which is 2.45 mm thick, has 37 jewels, 214 parts, a power reserve of 40-hours and 19,800 vph. Water-resistant to 20 meters (based on Swiss standards 30 meters and above is considered water-resistant). Hand-stitched ''large square scale'' anthracite crocodile strap with 18k white gold or pink gold pin buckle. Limited edition 99 pieces (50 in pink, 49 in white gold).
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Ref. 15181OR.OO.A005CR.01(18k pink gold)

Jules Audemars Extra-thin Bolshoi in Pink gold

Jules Audemars Extra-thin Bolshoi in white gold

Ref. 15181BC.OO.A005CR.01(18k white gold) The most beautiful detail is hidden on the case-back where transparent sapphire crystal reveals the secret movements of the inner mechanism and an open-worked oscillator made of pure gold. The oscillator is stamped with the image of Bolshoi theater in a lush hand-made floral engraving.
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Cartier Tourbillon and Crocodile Watch Price N/A

The stunning design of this watch features a 3D emerald-eyed crocodile sculpted from 18-carat white gold with diamond scales. The reptile sits curved across the top half of the timepiece guarding the intricate mechanical features; the bottom half features two water lilies in translucent red and white enamel. The strap is black brushed canvas with an ardillon buckle in white gold decorated with diamonds. Well, being a subsidiary of the well-known Richemont Group that owns such legendary Swiss brands as Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, and the German A. Lange & Shne, it was only a matter of time before the necessary know-how and technical expertise would be transferred to the French jeweler.
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The superb case construction allows for 30 meter water-resistance. The timepiece is completed with a black brushed canvas strap with an ardillon buckle in the white gold and is also decorated with diamonds. The Cartier Tourbillon and Crocodile Geneva Seal watch, caliber 9458 MC is a limited edition watch of 50 just pieces.

Measuring. Cartier introducing a new flying tourbillon watch, the Cartier Tourbillon and Crocodile Watch. The timepiece is a truly unique design that features a stunning crocodile sculpted from 18 carat white gold and decorated with diamonds, the crocodile also has emerald eyes. The decorated reptile wraps its self around the top half of the dial and guards the movement. The bottom half of the dial is decorated with two water lilies in translucent red and white enamel. The watch features a round 44.5 millimeter case crafted from rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold. The crown is also crafted from circulargrained pattern rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold and is set with a diamond. The Crocodile Watch is powered by the unique in-house flying tourbillon movement caliber 9458 MC which is imprinted with the Geneva Seal.
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The mechanical manual-winding movement features 167 parts which including 19 jewels. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations/hour, and has a power reserve of up to 50-hours. The C-shaped carriage of the flying tourbillon is also used for indicating the seconds. The intricate movement took the master watchmakers more than 50 hours to complete. The Tourbillon & Crocodile watch is gorgeous and a perfect gift for women it is totally finished with diamond it comes with black strap I am very interest with this attractive watch I hope that it will be soon hit in the market its pricing details are not mention at this time! The case is decorated with a number of diamonds, and the fantastically rendered 3D crocodile on the dial is also in gold and diamonds. What a stunning jewelry creation. It sits on a black dial accompanied with a few lotus flowers. Inside the watch is a partially exposed in-house made Cartier calibre 9458 MC manually wound movement with a flying tourbillon. The movement is placed to the side of the dial for an asymmetrical position. The Tourbillon & Crocodile wont be part of a limited edition per se, but will likely be made only to order after a few pieces are made by Cartier. The movement is located to the side of the dial for an asymmetrical position. The Tourbillon & Crocodile wont be fraction of a limited edition per se, but will possible be made only to order later than a few pieces are made by Cartier. This gorgeous watch is a limited edition, only 50 pieces will be produced. Cartier Tourbillon and Crocodile Calibre 9458 MC manual-wind watch
Specification

Movement: Cartier Caliber 9458 MC, hand-wound, 21,600 vph, 39 mm in diameter, 5.58 mm in height, 19 jewels, 167 parts, in-house Functions: Hour, minutes, flying tourbillon Power reserve: 50 hours Case material: White gold Bezel material: White gold Case shape: Round Bezel shape: Round Case size: 44.5 mm Dial: Black Mother of Pearl Hands: Blue Water resistance: 30 meters Strap: Black brushed canvas, ardillon buckle in rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold, set with diamonds Crystal: Sapphire Case back: Sapphire
. Price : Very expensive (N/A)
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